I'm interested in majoring in Deaf Studies at my university (I'm currently an undecided freshman right now), to possibly pursue a career as a sign language interpreter. I would like to know a couple of things:
-Where are they commonly hired? Schools? Hospitals?
-What is the mean salary? What about entry-level salary?
-What will the job outlook be like in 2011 (my year of expected graduation)? Will there be a high demand for sign language interpreters?
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1. Usually interpreters are hired by an agency which then contracts out the interpreters on an as needed basis. Interpreters will work at Dr. Apts, Court, Hospitals, Schools, Churches, Graduation Ceremonies, Plays, and several other things.
2. The mean and entry level salary are different for each location, from state to state and from city to city. Here, in Ohio, starting is around 20$/h and can go as high as 28$/h with experience.
3. Interpreters will always be needed! The demand here is VERY high, the agency I know of turns down around 100 jobs per week due to lack of interpreters!