Sign Language Interpretation and Translation: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Sign Language Interpretation and Translation is a specialized academic field focused on developing advanced communication skills between hearing and Deaf communities through accurate, real-time interpretation. This program equips students with the linguistic precision, cultural fluency, and professional ethics required to serve in diverse settings such as education, healthcare, legal proceedings, and public services.
- American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency: Mastery of ASL grammar, syntax, and vocabulary to ensure natural and accurate expression in both signed and spoken language contexts.
- Simultaneous interpretation techniques: Training in real-time translation of spoken language into sign language, maintaining pace, tone, and meaning without delay.
- Translation theory and practice: Study of the differences between interpretation and translation, including strategies for conveying meaning across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
- Deaf culture and community studies: In-depth exploration of Deaf history, identity, values, and societal structures to foster respectful and informed professional engagement.
- Legal and ethical standards: Understanding of confidentiality, impartiality, and professional conduct required in high-stakes environments such as courtrooms and medical appointments.
- Interpreting in specialized settings: Application of skills in specific domains including education, mental health, emergency services, and business, each with unique terminology and communication demands.
Sign Language Interpretation and Translation Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Sign Language Interpretation and Translation Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Sign Language Interpretation and Translation degrees, including Interpreters and Translators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 53,360 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interpreters and Translators 27-3091 | $59,440 | $35,630 - $99,830 | 53,360 | $28.58 |
Salary Comparison
Sign Language Interpretation and Translation Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $43,410 in Mississippi to $84,650 in New York—a 95% difference. The highest-paying states include New York, District of Columbia, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 53,360 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Sign Language Interpretation and Translation by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Sign Language Interpretation and Translation programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Sign Language Interpretation and Translation is found at Tarrant County College District (TCCD) (85 graduates), University of North Florida (UNF) (51 graduates), Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) (51 graduates), Western Oregon University (WOU) (43 graduates), and Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) (40 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,390 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarrant County College District (TCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
85 | N/A | Fort Worth, Texas | Public | tccd.edu |
| University of North Florida (UNF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51 |
SAT: 990-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Jacksonville, Florida | Public | unf.edu |
| Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
51 | N/A | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | cpcc.edu |
| Western Oregon University (WOU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
43 |
SAT: 868-1108 ACT: 21-26 |
Monmouth, Oregon | Public | wou.edu |
| Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
40 | N/A | Belleville, Illinois | Public | swic.edu |
| Austin Community College District (ACC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
39 | N/A | Austin, Texas | Public | austincc.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
37 |
SAT: 1280-1460 ACT: 29-33 |
Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| William Woods University (WWU) |
Bachelor's
|
36 | N/A | Fulton, Missouri | Private | williamwoods.edu |
| Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
36 | N/A | Annandale, Virginia | Public | nvcc.edu |
| University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31 |
SAT: 970-1180 ACT: 17-26 |
Greeley, Colorado | Public | unco.edu |
| Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
30 | N/A | Flat Rock, North Carolina | Public | blueridge.edu |
| Mt San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
27 | N/A | Walnut, California | Public | mtsac.edu |
| Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
27 | N/A | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Public | pikespeak.edu |
| Gallaudet University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
25 |
SAT: 750-933 ACT: 14-18 |
Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gallaudet.edu |
| University of Akron |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
24 |
SAT: 950-1190 ACT: 18-25 |
Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
| South Texas College (STC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
23 | N/A | McAllen, Texas | Public | southtexascollege.edu |
| Houston Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
|
22 | N/A | Houston, Texas | Public | hccs.edu |
| Lone Star College System (LSC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
21 | N/A | The Woodlands, Texas | Public | lonestar.edu |
| San Antonio College (SAC) |
Associate's
Residency
|
21 | N/A | San Antonio, Texas | Public | alamo.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | N/A | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Johnson County Community College (JCCC) |
Other Award
|
18 | N/A | Overland Park, Kansas | Public | jccc.edu |
| Tidewater Community College (TCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
18 | N/A | Norfolk, Virginia | Public | tcc.edu |
| American River College (ARC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | N/A | Sacramento, California | Public | arc.losrios.edu |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
17 | N/A | Richmond, Virginia | Public | reynolds.edu |
| Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) |
Bachelor's
|
16 |
SAT: 930-1190 ACT: 17-24 |
Richmond, Kentucky | Public | eku.edu |
| Wilson Community College (WCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | N/A | Wilson, North Carolina | Public | wilsoncc.edu |
| Tyler Junior College (TJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | N/A | Tyler, Texas | Public | tjc.edu |
| Palomar College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
15 | N/A | San Marcos, California | Public | www2.palomar.edu |
| Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | N/A | Morganton, North Carolina | Public | wpcc.edu |
| Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | N/A | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | ccac.edu |
| Collin County Community College District (CCCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
15 | N/A | McKinney, Texas | Public | collin.edu |
| Troy University (TROY) |
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 950-1160 ACT: 18-25 |
Troy, Alabama | Public | troy.edu |
| Gardner-Webb University (GWU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 1040-1260 ACT: 20-26 |
Boiling Springs, North Carolina | Private | gardner-webb.edu |
| Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (CU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 970-1180 ACT: 18-25 |
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania | Public | commonwealthu.edu |
| Golden West College (GWC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | N/A | Huntington Beach, California | Public | goldenwestcollege.edu |
| Idaho State University (ISU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
13 | N/A | Pocatello, Idaho | Public | isu.edu |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
13 | N/A | Perkinston, Mississippi | Public | mgccc.edu |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | N/A | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | cincinnatistate.edu |
| University of Arkansas (UA Little Rock) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
12 |
SAT: 890-1170 ACT: 18-23 |
Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | ualr.edu |
| Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | N/A | Woodland Hills, California | Public | lapc.edu |
| Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | N/A | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | ccbcmd.edu |
| Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | N/A | Davenport, Iowa | Public | eicc.edu |
| Saint Louis Community College (STLCC) |
Associate's
|
11 | N/A | Bridgeton, Missouri | Public | stlcc.edu |
| Ocean County College (OCC) |
Associate's
|
11 | N/A | Toms River, New Jersey | Public | ocean.edu |
| El Camino Community College District (ECC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | N/A | Torrance, California | Public | elcamino.edu |
| Sierra College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | N/A | Rocklin, California | Public | sierracollege.edu |
| Saint Paul College |
Associate's
|
10 | N/A | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Public | saintpaul.edu |
| University of New Hampshire |
Bachelor's
|
10 | SAT: 1030-1250 | Manchester, New Hampshire | Public | manchester.unh.edu |
| Phoenix College (PC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | N/A | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | phoenixcollege.edu |
| Columbia College Chicago (CCC) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Private | colum.edu |
| Madonna University |
Bachelor's
|
9 | SAT: 890-1120 | Livonia, Michigan | Private | madonna.edu |
| Siena Heights University (SHU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 890-1140 ACT: 16-20 |
Adrian, Michigan | Private | sienaheights.edu |
| Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | N/A | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | ccp.edu |
| Maryville College |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1018-1188 ACT: 20-28 |
Maryville, Tennessee | Private | maryvillecollege.edu |
| Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) |
Associate's
|
9 | N/A | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | slcc.edu |
| Solano Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | N/A | Fairfield, California | Public | welcome.solano.edu |
| Bethel University |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 940-1190 ACT: 19-24 |
Mishawaka, Indiana | Private | betheluniversity.edu |
| Goshen College |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 850-1133 ACT: 23-27 |
Goshen, Indiana | Private | goshen.edu |
| Frederick Community College (FCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | N/A | Frederick, Maryland | Public | frederick.edu |
| Montgomery College (MC) |
Other Award
|
8 | N/A | Rockville, Maryland | Public | montgomerycollege.edu |
| Northern Essex Community College (NECC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | N/A | Haverhill, Massachusetts | Public | necc.mass.edu |
| Kent State University |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1000-1230 ACT: 18-25 |
Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| El Paso Community College (EPCC) |
Associate's
|
8 | N/A | El Paso, Texas | Public | epcc.edu |
| Antelope Valley Community College District (AVCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | N/A | Lancaster, California | Public | avc.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1040-1230 ACT: 21-28 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| University of Louisville (UofL) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1020-1250 ACT: 19-27 |
Louisville, Kentucky | Public | louisville.edu |
| University of New Mexico (UNM) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 900-1160 ACT: 19-26 |
Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | unm.edu |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 910-1110 ACT: 16-22 |
Edinburg, Texas | Public | utrgv.edu |
| Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | N/A | Spokane, Washington | Public | sfcc.spokane.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | ACT: 18-24 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
| Santiago Canyon College (SCC) |
Other Award
|
7 | N/A | Orange, California | Public | sccollege.edu |
| Riverside City College (RCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | N/A | Riverside, California | Public | rcc.edu |
| San Diego Mesa College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | N/A | San Diego, California | Public | sdmesa.edu |
| Valdosta State University (VSU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 950-1130 ACT: 17-23 |
Valdosta, Georgia | Public | valdosta.edu |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | N/A | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
| John A Logan College (JALC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | N/A | Carterville, Illinois | Public | jalc.edu |
| Delgado Community College |
Associate's
|
6 | N/A | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | dcc.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Associate's
|
6 | N/A | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Augustana University |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1075-1290 ACT: 21-27 |
Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Private | augie.edu |
| Germanna Community College (GCC) |
Other Award
|
6 | N/A | Locust Grove, Virginia | Public | germanna.edu |
| East Los Angeles College (ELAC) |
Associate's
|
5 | N/A | Monterey Park, California | Public | elac.edu |
| St Catherine University (St. Kate’s) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | ACT: 20-26 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stkate.edu |
| Hinds Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | N/A | Raymond, Mississippi | Public | hindscc.edu |
| James A. Rhodes State College |
Other Award
|
5 | N/A | Lima, Ohio | Public | rhodesstate.edu |
| Midlands Technical College (MTC) |
Other Award
|
5 | N/A | West Columbia, South Carolina | Public | midlandstech.edu |
| Del Mar College (DMC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | N/A | Corpus Christi, Texas | Public | delmar.edu |
| Central Washington University (CWU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | N/A | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | cwu.edu |
| Bakersfield College (BC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | N/A | Bakersfield, California | Public | bakersfieldcollege.edu |
| Mt San Jacinto Community College District (MSJC) |
Associate's
|
4 | N/A | San Jacinto, California | Public | msjc.edu |
| Saddleback College |
Other Award
|
4 | N/A | Mission Viejo, California | Public | saddleback.edu |
| Keuka College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | SAT: 1008-1183 | Keuka Park, New York | Private | keuka.edu |
| Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | N/A | Utica, New York | Public | mvcc.edu |
| Minot State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 930-1180 ACT: 18-24 |
Minot, North Dakota | Public | minotstateu.edu |
| Shawnee State University (SSU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | N/A | Portsmouth, Ohio | Public | shawnee.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU-OKC) |
Associate's
|
4 | N/A | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | osuokc.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Associate's
|
4 | N/A | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
| Suffolk County Community College (SUNY) |
Associate's
|
4 | N/A | Selden, New York | Public | sunysuffolk.edu |
| Rio Hondo College (RHC) |
Associate's
|
3 | N/A | Whittier, California | Public | riohondo.edu |
| Waubonsee Community College |
Associate's
|
3 | N/A | Sugar Grove, Illinois | Public | waubonsee.edu |
| Mott Community College |
Associate's
|
3 | N/A | Flint, Michigan | Public | mcc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Sign Language Interpretation and Translation programs
How much can I earn with a Sign Language Interpretation and Translation degree?
Salaries for Sign Language Interpretation and Translation graduates vary by role and location. Interpreters and Translators earn a median of $59,440 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New York average $84,650 compared to $43,410 in Mississippi. Approximately 53,360 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Sign Language Interpretation and Translation programs?
Currently 114 accredited institutions offer Sign Language Interpretation and Translation degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Tarrant County College District (TCCD) (85 graduates), University of North Florida (UNF) (51 graduates), and Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) (51 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Sign Language Interpretation and Translation growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 1,382 in 2010 to a peak of 1,831 in 2020, before declining slightly to 1,420 in 2023-24. This represents a 3% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Sign Language Interpretation and Translation degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Interpreters and Translators. Related occupations employ approximately 53,360 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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