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ASL Interpreter

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in American Sign Language, Interpreter Training, Deaf Studies, Education, or a related field preferred. * Demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and ...

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$18.9K

$48.7K

$101K

How much do deaf studies jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for deaf studies in Michigan is $48,692.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,370.00 and $57,081.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Deaf Studies?

A Deaf Studies job typically involves working with the Deaf community, focusing on areas such as education, advocacy, interpreting, social services, or research. Professionals in this field may work as sign language interpreters, educators, counselors, or community outreach coordinators. These roles aim to promote accessibility, cultural awareness, and support for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture is often essential. Career opportunities exist in schools, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Deaf Studies?

To thrive in Deaf Studies, you need a strong understanding of Deaf culture, American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency, and a solid academic background in linguistics or social sciences, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with assistive technologies, ASL interpreting certifications, and research tools like data analysis software is beneficial. Cultural sensitivity, effective communication, and advocacy skills are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure successful engagement, research, and support within Deaf communities and related professional environments.

What career opportunities are available for professionals with a background in Deaf Studies?

A background in Deaf Studies opens doors to a variety of career paths including roles in education (such as ASL instructors or Deaf education specialists), interpreting, advocacy, social work, and community outreach. Many professionals also find opportunities in research, policy development, or working with organizations that serve Deaf and hard-of-hearing populations. Collaboration with educators, social service networks, and accessibility teams is often a key part of the job. Career advancement can lead to leadership positions in advocacy organizations or specialized roles in academia. This field offers the reward of directly impacting accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment for Deaf communities.

Is Deaf Studies a good major?

Deaf Studies is a relevant major for careers such as sign language interpreters, deaf educators, and advocacy specialists. It provides knowledge of deaf culture, communication skills, and often requires certification or additional training for certain roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Deaf Studies jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Deaf Studies jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Deaf Studies jobs in Michigan?

For Deaf Studies jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Deaf Studies jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Deaf Studies jobs in Michigan are:

Deaf Studies jobs near you
Infographic showing various Deaf Studies job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,692 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Adjunct Sign Language Interpreter Instructor

Oakland Community College

MI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Teach anticipated day and/or evening American Sign Language courses ranging from basic to advanced skill levels.

  • Maintain and/or provide licensure and certifications where applicable.

  • Submit required documentation such as resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts related to the courses being taught.

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : College Wide
Job Type: Adjunct
Job Number: 202300093
Division: Sign Language Interpreter
Opening Date: 02/28/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Summary of Purpose
Oakland Community College, a multi-campus institution in Oakland County, Michigan is a student-centered community dedicated to providing quality learning opportunities for individuals, the community and organizations on an accessible, affordable basis. We are one of the largest community colleges in the state of Michigan, with a multi-campus system, serving more than 12,000 students. OCC is seeking Adjunct Faculty Instructors who value diversity, shared responsibility, open communication, personal empowerment, integrity and ethical commitment. Adjunct Faculty must be committed to using modern technology in the classroom.
Applications for adjunct positions are accepted continuously and entered into a candidate pool. Adjunct Instructors are hired on an as-needed basis throughout the academic year, depending on enrollment needs. If a need arises, applications in the pool are reviewed and the Department reaches out directly to candidates. Where applicable, adjuncts are required to maintain and/or provide licensure and certifications.
Candidates who do not have legal residence in the State of Michigan will become Edustaff employees. Employment offers, salary, and benefits are provided by Edustaff, not OCC (Oakland Community College).
Please include resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts for all degrees (listed below in the Minimum Education and Experience section) within your application materials. Transcripts need to reflect the date the degree was awarded. And, if hired, official transcripts will be required within 30 days of hire.
Typical Duties
Primary responsibility will be to teach anticipated day and/or evening American Sign Language, which range from basic to advanced skill levels. Where applicable, adjuncts are required to maintain and/or provide licensure and certifications.
Knowledge and Skills Required
  • Experience with multi-cultural students and staff preferred
  • Ability to work as a team player in a multi-cultural working environment

Minimum Education and Experience
  • Master's degree or higher or equivalent in American Sign Language Interpreting, Sign Language Interpreting, Sign Language Studies, Deaf Education, Deaf Studies/Sign Language Training, Interpreter Pedagogy, Linguistics, Special Education - Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Education, Liberal Arts, Journalism, English, Communication, Engineering, Public Administration, Social Work, or another practice profession with recent experience in teaching sign language and/or interpreting

OR
  • Bachelor's degree in American Sign Language Interpreting, Sign Language Interpreting, Sign Language Studies, Deaf Education, Deaf Studies/Sign Language Training, Interpreter Pedagogy, Linguistics, Special Education - Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Education, Liberal Arts, Journalism, English, Communication, Engineering, Public Administration, Social Work, or another practice profession with 10 years of recent work experience.

One of the following is preferred:
  • American Sign Language Teacher's Association Certification
  • American Sign Language Communication Proficiency Interview 4 or above
  • Interpreter Certification: RID CI, CT; NAD, NAD-RID-NIC, CDI EIPA, ED, K-12 BEI

Please submit your current resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts for all relevant degrees earned in the subject matter related to the courses being taught. Transcripts must reflect date degree conferred. And, if hired, official transcripts will be required within one month of hire.
Salary
$1000 per instructional credit hour
We are excited to have you consider Oakland Community College (OCC) as your employer of choice!
OCC strives to provide valuable and empowering services not only to our students, but also to our employees.
See below the benefits offered by the College under the benefit types: full-time and part-time
Full-Time Positions for the Following Employee Groups:
Classified, Exempt (Non-union), Faculty, Maintenance, Operating Engineers, Public Safety, Teamsters
Benefit Effective Date: First of the month after date of hire
Medical
  • Multiple PPO medical plans with prescription coverage to choose from; Plans provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM)
    • Free preventive services on every plan
    • Health Savings Account (HSA) available with the High Deductible medical plans
  • BCBSM through the Western Michigan Health Insurance Pool (WMHIP) medical is offered to all employment groups
  • There is a $2,000 prorated Medical Opt Out stipend with proof of other applicable medical coverage
Dental
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) plan provided by the College, no payroll deductions
Vision
  • NVA (National Vision Administrators) plan provided by the College, no payroll deductions
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Health Care, Limited Purpose, Dependent Care, and Adoption FSAs are available
Life Insurance
  • TheCollege provides $120,000 of coverage (portion is subject to taxation), no payroll deductions
Disability
  • 70% of wages provided for Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Retirement
  • College employees are part of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) provided by the Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS)
  • The Exempt, Faculty, and Teamsters employee groups can elect the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) provided by TIAA; opting out of MPSERS
Voluntary Retirement Accounts
  • Employees can open and contribute via payroll deduction into 403(b) and/or 457(b) voluntary retirement accounts provided by TIAA
Voluntary Benefits
  • Employees can elect voluntary benefits of optional life insurance (for self, spouse, and/or children), cancer protection, pet insurance, legal & ID shield, long term and/or critical care during annual open enrollment in November
Tuition
  • OCC tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents
  • Employees may take Non-OCC classes using the tuition reimbursement program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employees have a free resource to assist with a wide-range of needs, including counseling sessions

Employee Group: Classified Part-Time
Benefit Effective Date: First of the month after date of hire
Part-time Classified employees are offered the opportunity to have medical, dental, vision at the full monthly premium; life insurance is also available at a nominal cost. Participation requires that benefit costs be taken via payroll deduction.
Medical
  • Multiple PPO medical plans with prescription coverage to choose from; Plans provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM)
    • Free preventive services on every plan
    • Health Savings Account (HSA) available with the High Deductible medical plans
  • BCBSM through the Western Michigan Health Insurance Pool (WMHIP) medical is offered to all employment groups
Dental
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) plan that has free in-network preventive services including two annual cleanings
Vision
  • NVA (National Vision Administrators) plan that includes annual examinations with participating providers
Life Insurance
  • Employees can choose to have a life insurance policy of $10,000 or $20,000
Retirement
  • College employees are part of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) provided by the Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS)
Voluntary Retirement Accounts
  • Employees can open and contribute, via payroll deduction, into 403(b) and/or 457(b) voluntary retirement accounts provided by TIAA
Tuition
  • OCC tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents
  • Employees may take Non-OCC classes using the tuition reimbursement program

Employee Group: Adjunct Faculty, Part-time Hourly (Non-union), and Casual Instructors*
Retirement
  • College employees are part of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) provided by the Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS)
Voluntary Retirement Accounts
  • Employees can open and contribute, via payroll deduction, into 403(b) and/or 457(b) voluntary retirement accounts provided by TIAA
Tuition
  • OCC tuition reimbursement program available for Adjunct Employees
*Edustaff employees are not eligible for OCC benefits.
Contact Information:
01
Do you have a minimum of a Masters Degree or higher?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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