Sign language interpreters translate or transliterate sign language into another language or vice versa.1
Twenty-two states license sign language interpreters. On average, these laws require aspiring sign language interpreters to pay $661 in fees, demonstrate almost three years (1,088 days) of education and experience, and pass two exams—the seventh most burdensome requirements of the 102 occupations studied here. However, because sign language interpreters are licensed by less than half of states, the occupation ranks as the 55th most widely and onerously licensed.
License requirements are somewhat consistent across states. All licensed states require two exams, and nearly all (20) set a minimum age of 18. Sixteen also require a bachelor’s degree and 40 hours of interpreter education. Arkansas and Mississippi, however, require only payment of a fee ($170 and $225, respectively) in addition to the two exams.
Burden Rank | State | States Licensed | Fees | Estimated Calendar Days Lost | Education | Experience | Exams | Minimum Grade | Minimum Age |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Maine | 22 | $1,016 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 12 | 18 | |
2 | Illinois | 22 | $900 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 12 | 18 | |
3 | Arizona | 22 | $820 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 12 | 18 | |
4 | Nevada | 22 | $675 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 12 | 18 | |
5 | North Carolina | 22 | $938 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 0 | 18 | |
6 | New Hampshire | 22 | $875 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 0 | 18 | |
7 | Kentucky | 22 | $850 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 0 | 18 | |
8 | Iowa | 22 | $795 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 0 | 18 | |
9 | Wisconsin | 22 | $750 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 0 | 18 | |
10 | New Mexico | 22 | $740 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 0 | 18 | |
11 | Indiana | 22 | $725 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 0 | 18 | |
11 | South Dakota | 22 | $725 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 0 | 18 | |
13 | West Virginia | 22 | $720 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 0 | 18 * | |
14 | Rhode Island | 22 | $700 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 0 | 18 | |
15 | Connecticut | 22 | $675 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 0 | 18 | |
15 | North Dakota | 22 | $675 * | 1469 * | 4 years and 40 clock hours * | 2 | 0 | 18 | |
17 | Missouri | 22 | $438 | 420 | 60 credit hours | 2 | 0 | 18 | |
18 | Alabama | 22 | $580 * | 0 | 2 | 12 | 18 | ||
19 | Nebraska | 22 | $345 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 18 | ||
20 | Utah | 22 | $210 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 18 | ||
21 | Mississippi | 22 | $225 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | ||
22 | Arkansas | 22 | $170 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |