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Deaf Interpreter Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Deaf Interpreter information

See Oregon salary details

$31.2K

$69.5K

$75.1K

How much do deaf interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for deaf interpreter in Oregon is $69,481.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a deaf interpreter?

A Deaf Interpreter (DI) is a trained professional who is deaf or hard of hearing and specializes in facilitating communication between deaf individuals and hearing interpreters or other parties. They work alongside hearing interpreters to ensure accurate and culturally appropriate interpretation, often for individuals with unique language needs, such as those with limited formal sign language proficiency. DIs use a combination of American Sign Language (ASL), gestures, visual representations, and tactile communication to make information accessible. Their role is essential in legal, medical, educational, and community settings where clear and accurate communication is critical.

What are the typical work settings and responsibilities for a deaf interpreter?

Deaf Interpreters often work in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, legal proceedings, government agencies, and video relay service centers. Their primary responsibility is to facilitate clear communication between Deaf individuals who have unique linguistic needs and hearing interpreters or professionals, often working as part of a team. Daily tasks can involve interpreting complex or nuanced information, collaborating closely with other interpreters, and adapting their techniques based on the client's language preferences. Many Deaf Interpreters also engage in continual training to stay current with best practices and industry developments. This role can be both rewarding and dynamic, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the Deaf community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the deaf interpreter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Deaf Interpreter, you need native or near-native fluency in American Sign Language (ASL), a deep understanding of Deaf culture, and completion of specialized interpreter training, often accompanied by relevant certifications such as those from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). Familiarity with video relay interpreting platforms, assistive technologies, and interpreting protocols is important. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain impartial help someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for accurately facilitating communication and ensuring equal access for Deaf individuals across various professional settings.

Are deaf interpreters in demand?

Deaf interpreters are in high demand due to the need for effective communication between deaf and hearing individuals in various settings such as healthcare, education, and legal environments. The profession requires certification and strong language skills, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as awareness of accessibility increases.

How do you become a Deaf Interpreter?

To become a Deaf Interpreter, individuals typically need to be fluent in American Sign Language and have a strong understanding of Deaf culture. They often pursue specialized training or certification through organizations like the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and gain experience interpreting in various settings. Certification and ongoing professional development are important for career advancement in this field.

How much does a deaf interpreter earn?

Deaf interpreters typically earn between $20 and $40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the setting in which they work. Salaries can range from around $40,000 to over $80,000 annually for full-time positions, especially those requiring certification and specialized skills in sign language interpretation.
Infographic showing various Deaf Interpreter job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 44% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,481 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Sign Language Interpreter

Lane Education Service District

Eugene, OR โ€ข On-site

$26.48 - $45.67/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Special Education - Classified/Sign Language Interpreter
Date Posted:
6/5/2026
Location:
LESD District Office
Date Available:
2026-27 School Year
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
Sign Language Interpreter
Position Type: Classified
Hours/FTE: .9375 FTE
Salary: $26.48- $45.67 per hour
FLSA: Non-exempt
Contract Status: Regular/Probationary
Start Date: Upon Hire
Calendar: 192 days per year (can vary based on school calendar)
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision insurance, paid leaves and holidays, Public Employee Retirement (PERS). Full description of benefits available in ESD-LCEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Notes: Five positions are available.
Title: Sign Language Interpreter
Position Purpose
This position serves as a member of the educational team along with Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) and is available to address communication accessibility and deaf cultural issues as they arise. The position also provides re-teaching and other academic and classroom support.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide accurate interpretation appropriate to the student's age, register, personality, affect, learning style and language competencies.
    • For students in all academic situations including classrooms, library, assemblies, and field trips.
    • For students in school locations such as health center, counseling center, and administration.
    • For students during extracurricular activities such as sports, drama, music, clubs and school-wide programs.
  • Provide tactile interpretation or alternatives to American Sign Language (ASL) or Contact Varieties as appropriate to the needs of students who are Deaf/Blind, cognitively impaired, or having multiple disabilities or severe language delays.
  • Prepare for student interpretation needs.
    • Consult with classroom teacher regarding, curriculum content, general goals, new vocabulary or materials presented.
    • Gather information necessary to effectively interpret special school activities and extra-curricular events such as theater arts, music, storytelling, poetry, field trips and assemblies.
    • Consider accessibility of instructional plans and educational environment to support effective interpreting while teaming with classroom teacher.
  • Maintain a broad knowledge base that covers academic areas from kindergarten through Advanced Placement.
  • Provide information to classroom teachers, students and staff regarding effective and appropriate use of interpreters.
    • Roles, responsibilities, and boundaries of educational interpreters
    • Technical needs of interpreting, i.e., lighting, visual aids, positioning, and the challenges related to interpreting between languages.
  • Work collaboratively with the DHH teachers and classroom teachers to support students.
  • Provide academic assistance and social support for students who are DHH, under the direction of the DHH teacher or classroom teacher.
    • Teach sign language to assigned students
    • Serve as language role model and facilitate acquisition and expansion of both sign language and English.
    • Facilitate communication and socialization between Deaf/Hard of Hearing students and hearing peers.
    • Provide updates on progress or issues encountered.
  • Collect and summarize data as required by DHH teacher and IEP teams.
  • Maintain regular contact with the DHH teacher regarding student's progress toward IEP goals.
  • Serve as a member of student IEP teams as assigned.
  • Provide interpretation for other deaf consumers (deaf professionals, deaf parents) related to the provision of educational services in Lane County.
  • Attend meetings, trainings and professional development activities as required.
  • Maintain substitute packet related to assigned students and serve as a substitute interpreter as assigned.
  • Perform other duties as assigned. Examples include mentoring interpreter interns, assisting with staff meetings.

Qualifications
  • Associate's Degree from an Interpreter Education Program; Bachelor's Degree preferred.
  • Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), Contact Variety and English as demonstrated by Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) at level 3.5 or above; RID NIC, CI or CT Certification may be considered as an alternative to EIPA score.
  • Proficiency in comprehension and expression of American Sign Language, Contact Variety, and Manual Coded English.
  • Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skill in both English and Sign Language.
  • Ability to adjust communication to meet language and developmental level of assigned students to facilitate comprehension.
  • Knowledge of instructional supports for students who are deaf and hard of hearing.
  • Ability to understand and interpret curriculum from Kindergarten to Advanced placement classes such as Science and Math and Foreign Language.
  • Experience providing supplemental instruction under the direction of a licensed teacher.
  • Ability to support social and communication skills development appropriate for participation in mainstream hearing environments.
  • Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with an educational team.
  • Well-developed manual and facial dexterity necessary to produced readable sign language and sign language expression is required.
  • Visual and hearing acuity necessary to provide effective interpretation in a variety of educational environments is required.
  • Basic proficiency in the use of technology necessary to perform job functions, including internet, email, calendaring software and word processing and the ability to learn district specific software.
  • Ability to fluently speak, read, and write required.
  • A valid Oregon driver's license or ability to obtain one by date of hire is required.

About Lane Regional Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program
Lane Regional Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program serves students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Lane Regional Program teachers work with students, parents, school staff and other community agencies to help provide accessible education for students who are deaf or hard of hearing in Lane County. Both direct instruction focusing the unique communication needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing and their development of language and Technical assistance and consultation are provided.
The Lane Regional Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program is part of the Special Education Service Area, which also provides School Psychologist services, Speech Language Therapy and Augmentative Communication services, behavior consultation, and direct services for students with moderate and severe disabilities, students with emotional/behavioral disorders, and adjudicated at-risk youth. Lane Regional Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program is funded by the Department of Education and is part of Oregon's service delivery for students with low-incidence disabilities (Vision Impairments, Hearing Impairments, Deaf/Blindness, Severe Orthopedic Impairments, Autism, and Traumatic Brain Injury.
About Lane ESD
In providing services to Lane County school districts, Lane ESD seeks to fulfill our core purpose of Shaping the Future: Supporting Excellence in Education. Lane ESD employees strive to embody core values of equity, commitment, leadership, collaboration, and integrity.
The mission of education service districts is to assist school districts and the Department of Education in achieving Oregon's educational goals by providing equitable, high quality, cost-effective and locally responsive educational services at a regional level. The ESD partners with school districts, local universities and community college, and other community agencies in providing quality services to the component school districts in Lane County.
Lane Education Service District provides a wide array of services to the 16 School Districts in Lane County serving about 45,000 students. Services in special education, school improvement, technology, and administrative services are designed to support districts in meeting the challenge of serving a diverse student population. We focus on systemic school improvement, multicultural curriculum, and assisting districts in development of students who are well prepared to be global citizens. Additional information about Lane ESD is available at www.lesd.k12.or.us
Lane ESD is an equal opportunity employer, and complies with federal and state statutes which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, handicap and marital status.