How to Become a Sign Language Interpreter — Salary, Training & Licensing
Bridge two worlds — connect deaf and hearing communities through the art and skill of sign language interpretation.
91% High Demand
$45K–$90K+
Salary Range
Very High
Demand
+18%
Job Growth
℞ Prescribed by data · BLS · WEF · McKinsey
Sign Language Interpreter Apprenticeship & Training in Oregon
Licensing & Requirements
Oregon requires interpreters to hold RID certification or Oregon state certification through the Oregon Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Educational interpreters need EIPA score of 3.5+.
Training Programs
Portland Community College and Western Oregon University offer strong ASL/interpreting programs. Oregon has an active deaf community, particularly in Portland metro.
Oregon school districts (PPS, Salem-Keizer), OHSU, Providence, Sorenson Communications, Oregon Commission for the Deaf, freelance agencies, Oregon courts.
Career Overview
Is this career right for you?
✓You're fascinated by language, communication, and cultural exchange
✓You have strong emotional intelligence and can read subtle nonverbal cues
✓You care deeply about accessibility, inclusion, and equity
✓You thrive under pressure and can think quickly on your feet
✓You want a career with flexible scheduling and diverse work settings
✓You're committed to lifelong learning — ASL fluency takes years to develop
Your Roadmap
1
Start Learning ASL EarlyAges 14–18
Take ASL classes at your high school if available — many schools now offer ASL as a world language
Use free resources: YouTube channels (Bill Vicars, ASL Meredith), apps (The ASL App, SignSchool)
Attend deaf community events, deaf church services, or ASL meetups to practice with native signers
Immerse yourself — ASL fluency requires hundreds of hours of practice with deaf people
2
Pursue Formal Education in InterpretingAges 18–22
Enroll in an Interpreter Training Program (ITP) — associate or bachelor's degree programs at community colleges and universities
Study ASL linguistics, deaf culture, interpreting theory, and professional ethics
Complete supervised practicum hours interpreting in real-world settings
Build relationships with the local deaf community — cultural competency is essential
3
Gain Supervised Interpreting ExperienceAges 22–24
Work as a novice interpreter under mentorship — many states offer provisional credentials
Start in lower-stakes settings: educational interpreting, community events, meetings
Seek mentorship from experienced RID-certified interpreters who can give you feedback
Practice voice-to-sign (expressive) and sign-to-voice (receptive) skills equally
4
Earn National CertificationAges 24–26
Pass the RID NIC (National Interpreter Certification) exam — performance and knowledge tests
Some states accept BEI (Board for Evaluation of Interpreters) or state-specific credentials
Educational interpreting may require EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment) certification
National certification dramatically increases your job options and pay rate
5
Specialize in High-Demand SettingsAges 26–30
Medical interpreting — hospitals, clinics, mental health (requires specialized vocabulary and ethical training)
Legal interpreting — courts, law enforcement, depositions (highest stakes and highest pay)
VRI (Video Remote Interpreting) — growing demand for video-based interpreting from anywhere
Conference/platform interpreting — keynotes, corporate events, political proceedings
6
Advance Into Leadership or FreelanceAges 30+
Build a freelance interpreting practice with diversified clients (legal, medical, corporate, education)
Move into interpreter coordinator, agency owner, or program director roles
Become a certified deaf interpreter (CDI) mentor or interpreter educator
Freelance interpreters with legal/medical specializations can earn $60-$100+/hour
Major Employers & Training Programs
Sorenson Communications
Largest provider of video relay services (VRS) for deaf individuals. Hires hundreds of interpreters nationwide for video interpreting with competitive pay and benefits.
ZVRS (Purple Communications)
Major video relay service provider. Offers interpreting positions with flexible scheduling and opportunities for center-based or remote work.
LanguageLine Solutions
One of the largest interpreting service companies. Provides sign language interpreting for healthcare, legal, and government clients with career development opportunities.
School Districts & Universities
K-12 and post-secondary institutions hire educational interpreters. Stable positions with school-year schedules, benefits, and summers off. Growing demand due to inclusion mandates.
Hospitals & Healthcare Systems
Major hospitals hire staff interpreters for patient communication. ADA compliance requirements ensure steady demand for qualified medical interpreters.
The interpreter shortage is severe — demand far exceeds supply. Certified interpreters have enormous flexibility in choosing where, when, and how they work. Many experienced interpreters earn excellent income through freelance work.
Most interpreter training programs are 2-4 year degrees costing $10K-$40K. The investment pays off quickly — certified interpreters are in severe shortage and command strong wages. Unlike many college degrees that lead to uncertain job markets, interpreter certification leads to immediate, steady demand. Freelance interpreters with legal/medical specializations earn $60-$100+/hour.
The Real Talk
The Good
Severe national shortage — certified interpreters have incredible job security and flexibility
Deeply meaningful work — you literally connect people who cannot otherwise communicate
Diverse work settings — no two days are alike (education, medical, legal, corporate, events)
Flexible scheduling — freelance interpreters control their own calendars
Cultural enrichment — deep immersion in deaf culture and community is profoundly rewarding
Growing demand — ADA compliance, telehealth, and video interpreting are expanding the field
The Hard Parts
ASL fluency takes years to develop — this is not a quick career path
Interpreting is cognitively exhausting — sustained focus and processing demands are intense
Emotional toll — interpreting in medical, mental health, and legal settings can be heavy
Freelance income can be inconsistent, especially when starting out
Repetitive motion injuries (wrist, shoulder, neck) are common occupational hazards
Is It Worth It?
Sign language interpreting is one of the most meaningful, flexible, and in-demand careers you'll find. The national shortage is real and growing — certified interpreters can essentially work wherever they want, whenever they want, for strong pay. But it's not a quick path. ASL fluency requires years of immersion, cultural learning, and practice. If you're willing to invest the time, the rewards are extraordinary: deep human connection, cultural richness, flexible scheduling, and the knowledge that your work literally enables communication between people who would otherwise be unable to understand each other. Few careers offer that level of purpose.
A Career Is Just One Part of Your Story
The best careers don't just pay well — they give you freedom, purpose, and time for the people and things you love. Choose a path that makes your whole life better, not just your resume.
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