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Sign Language Instructor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

City of Evanston

Inclusion Assistant

Evanston, IL

$17.75/hr

Prefer basic sign language skills * Perform other duties as assigned by Inclusion Coordinator and/or instructors Rate: Starting at $17.75/ hour Schedule: This is a seasonal position that includes a ...

City of Evanston

Inclusion Assistant

Evanston, IL · On-site

$17.75/hr

Prefer basic sign language skills * Perform other duties as assigned by Inclusion Coordinator and/or instructors Rate: Starting at $17.75/ hour Schedule: This is a seasonal position that includes a ...

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All JobsSign Language Instructor JobsSign Language Instructor Jobs in Illinois

Sign Language Instructor information

See Illinois salary details

$16

$38

$51

How much do sign language instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for sign language instructor in Illinois is $38.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.75 and $51.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sign language instructor do?

A Sign Language Instructor teaches students how to communicate using sign language, such as American Sign Language (ASL) or other regional sign languages. They design lesson plans, demonstrate signs, and help students develop receptive and expressive signing skills. Instructors may work with individuals, small groups, or larger classes, both in-person and online. Their students can include deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, family members, educators, or anyone interested in learning sign language.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sign language instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sign Language Instructor, you need proficiency in sign language (such as ASL), strong instructional skills, and typically a relevant certification or degree in deaf education or interpretation. Familiarity with video conferencing tools, digital learning platforms, and curriculum development software is often necessary. Patience, cultural sensitivity, and excellent communication skills help instructors effectively engage students and foster an inclusive learning environment. These skills ensure students gain language proficiency and that diverse learners feel supported and understood.

What are some common challenges sign language instructors face when teaching students at different proficiency levels?

Sign Language Instructors often work with students who have varying degrees of familiarity and comfort with sign language, which can pose challenges in lesson pacing and engagement. Beginners may require more visual aids and repetition, while advanced learners might seek more nuanced communication practice. Balancing these needs within a single class or across multiple classes requires flexibility and creativity in instructional methods. Instructors also need to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment, encouraging active participation and cultural understanding among all students.

What is the difference between Sign Language Instructor vs Sign Language Interpreter?

AspectSign Language InstructorSign Language Interpreter
CredentialsTypically requires certification in sign language teaching or educationRequires certification or licensing in sign language interpretation (e.g., RID certification)
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, educational settings, community programsConferences, medical appointments, legal settings, live events
Employer & IndustrySchools, community centers, educational organizationsHealthcare, legal, government, private agencies
Search & Comparison IntentLearning sign language, teaching sign languageFacilitating communication between deaf and hearing individuals

While both roles involve sign language skills, a Sign Language Instructor primarily teaches and educates students in sign language, often in classroom settings. In contrast, a Sign Language Interpreter facilitates real-time communication between deaf and hearing individuals in various professional environments. Both require certification, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Sign Language Instructor jobs in IL?

For Sign Language Instructor jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sign Language Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sign Language Instructor job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,752 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Whitney Young HS: Ed Sign Language Interpreter

Chicago Public Schools

Chicago, IL • On-site

$71K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Accompany Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students to classes and interpret teacher's instructions and discussions using sign language.

  • Assist deaf/hard-of-hearing students with daily activities by transmitting spoken messages and environmental cues through sign language.

  • Consult with teachers regarding the concerns of individual students.

Job description

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. To fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, educational excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education, including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD supports strategic utilization of resources, aligning them to our strategic plan and district priorities, to increase student achievement.
Job Summary:
The Educational Sign Language Interpreter is a school-based position responsible for sign language interpretation duties in connection with the CPS Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing program. This position will report to the Principal of the assigned school location.
The Educational Sign Language Interpreter will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
  • Accompany Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing to classes, and use sign language to convey the teacher's instruction and intent, making verbatim interpretations to them of lectures and discussions
  • Assist deaf/hard-of-hearing students with daily activities, transmitting spoken messages and environmental cues using sign language.
  • Use speech to interpret responses of Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students to instructors and others as necessary, and facilitate communication between students and others.
  • Consult with teachers regarding the concerns of individual students
  • Other duties as assigned

To be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Educational Sign Language Interpreter must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
  • Associate's degree, or a minimum of 60 hours of college credit, from an accredited college or university.
  • Valid Sign Language Interpreter Approval issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), whether standalone or associated with a Professional Educator License (PEL)

Experience Required:
  • A minimum of 1 year of interpreting experience or practicum experience is required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of proper English grammar and spelling
  • Ability to work in an educational environment
  • Ability to work with and for students in grades Kindergarten through high school
  • Willingness to work at school sites throughout the district
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Ability to build effective, collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders and people from diverse backgrounds, including administrators, staff, students, and parents

Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
  • Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
  • Medical Plan Options
  • Pharmacy
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Behavioral Health & EAP
  • Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Pension Plans
  • Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
  • Paid Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • Vacation Days
  • Parental Leaves
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Religious Holidays
  • Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

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