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Sign Language Interpreter Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Staff Interpreter

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$22.40/hr

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Staff Interpreter Requisition ID req37045 Working Title Staff Interpreter Position Grade 12 ... This position will translate spoken materials into sign language for a career development ...

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Sign Language Interpreter information

See New Mexico salary details

$28.6K

$63.7K

$68.8K

How much do sign language interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for sign language interpreter in New Mexico is $63,684.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,900.00 and $66,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sign language interpreter?

A sign language interpreter is a professional who translates between deaf and hearing people using American Sign Language (ASL). By translating the spoken language and American Sign Language, they facilitate understanding between these two groups in everyday situations. Sign language interpreting is a vital service for the deaf community, allowing them to communicate with the hearing world. ASL can be used by sign language interpreters in schools, with doctors and patients, during performances or meetings, and in business.

What does a sign language interpreter do?

A Sign Language Interpreter facilitates communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and those who do not use sign language. They listen to spoken language and translate it into sign language, or vice versa, ensuring that the message is conveyed accurately and appropriately. Interpreters work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, courts, and public events. Their role is essential for providing equal access to information and services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a sign language interpreter?

A Sign Language Interpreter must possess fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and English, along with a relevant degree or certification such as RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) credentialing. Familiarity with video relay systems, remote interpreting platforms, and specialized interpreting software is often required. Exceptional listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain impartial are valuable soft skills in this profession. These competencies ensure clear, accurate communication between deaf and hearing individuals and uphold professional standards in diverse settings.

What challenges do sign language interpreters face in fast-paced environments, and how can they overcome them?

Sign Language Interpreters often encounter challenges in fast-paced settings, such as interpreting during meetings, conferences, or medical emergencies, where speakers may talk quickly or multiple people may speak at once. Managing these situations requires excellent concentration, quick decision-making, and the ability to request clarifications or pauses when needed. Building strong rapport with clients and colleagues, preparing ahead by reviewing relevant materials, and staying current with professional training can help interpreters navigate these challenges and ensure accurate communication.

What is the difference between Sign Language Interpreter vs Speech-Language Pathologist?

AspectSign Language InterpreterSpeech-Language Pathologist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., NIC, RID)Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, state licensure
Work EnvironmentEducational, healthcare, legal, community settingsHealthcare, schools, clinics, hospitals
Industry UsageFacilitates communication for deaf/hard-of-hearing individualsDiagnoses and treats speech, language, and swallowing disorders

Sign Language Interpreters primarily facilitate communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and hearing people, focusing on real-time translation. Speech-Language Pathologists diagnose and treat speech and language disorders, often working directly with patients to improve communication skills. While both roles involve communication, their credentials, work environments, and objectives differ significantly.

How much money do sign language interpreters make?

Sign language interpreters' salaries vary based on experience, location, and setting, but the median annual wage in the United States is around $50,000. Interpreters working in healthcare, legal, or educational environments with certification and specialized skills can earn higher wages, often exceeding $70,000 annually.

How much would a sign language interpreter make?

Sign language interpreters typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and setting. Certified interpreters with specialized skills or working in high-demand areas can earn higher wages, and many work full-time or part-time in educational, medical, or legal environments.

What qualifications do I need to be a sign language interpreter?

To become a sign language interpreter, individuals typically need to be fluent in sign language and often hold a certification such as the National Sign Language Interpreter Certification (NIC) or state-specific credentials. A bachelor's degree in interpreting, communication, or a related field is common, along with strong communication skills and cultural competence in Deaf communities.

What qualifications do you need to be a sign language interpreter?

To become a sign language interpreter, individuals typically need to be fluent in sign language and often hold a certification such as the National Sign Language Interpreter Certification (NIC) or state-specific credentials. A bachelor's degree in interpreting, communication, or a related field is common, along with strong communication skills and cultural competence in deaf communities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sign Language Interpreter jobs in New Mexico?

The most popular types of Sign Language Interpreter jobs in New Mexico are:

What are popular job titles related to Sign Language Interpreter jobs in New Mexico?

For Sign Language Interpreter jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sign Language Interpreter jobs in New Mexico look for?

The top searched job categories for Sign Language Interpreter jobs in New Mexico are:

What cities in New Mexico are hiring for Sign Language Interpreter jobs?

Cities in New Mexico with the most Sign Language Interpreter job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Sign Language Interpreter jobs in NM?

For Sign Language Interpreter jobs in NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sign Language Interpreter job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,684 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

$54K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

K-12 Classroom Interpreter Job Description
Overview of Position
The Education Interpreter is an integral member of the educational team-serving participants who are
hearing, Deaf, or hard of hearing. The educational interpreter provides interpreting services using a
variety of manual and verbal communication systems in the educational environment. This
environment includes classroom, laboratory, field trip, assembly, sports, and other educational sites.
Qualifications:
1. Minimum qualifications as defined in NMAC 16.28.3.8: The sign language interpreter must hold
a License with the NM Regulations and Licensing Department (RLD)
a. License may be a Community, Educational or Provisional License
2. Hold a NM Public Education Department interpreting license
3. Hold a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree from an Interpreter Education/Training Program
4. Hold membership with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
5. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
6. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with an
educational team.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Hold a Community or Educational License with the NM RLD
2. Hold a minimum of a 4.0 on the Educational Interpreter Performance Evaluation
3. Hold a Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree from an Interpreter Education Program or in a
related educational field
4. Hold a membership with the National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAIE)
5. Experience in K-12 Classroom interpreting
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Responsibilities:
Communication Facilitation:
1. Interpret information accurately, conveying the thought, intent and spirit of the speaker or
signer in a manner appropriate to the communication needs of the participants
2. Interpret for students, parents, and other professionals at conferences, IFSP/IEP meetings,
and other school sponsored activities
3. Utilize planning time to meet with teachers and staff as deemed appropriate by the educational
team and/or supervisor
4. Prepare, preview and study subjects to be interpreted to research vocabulary and appropriate
terminology to provide an accurate, appropriate interpretation
Educational Support:
1. Understand the student's hearing loss and the effect of this loss on speech, language and
cognitive development and apply that knowledge when providing academic assistance
2. Provide appropriate input as requested for record keeping, program data, time sheets, etc.
3. Keep confidential all private conversations between and with the school staff and the
student(s) concerning family or personal issues (except as needed to be reported to the
educational team or except when required to share with the team)
4. Be knowledgeable of the methods of behavior management being used in the school and
understanding their role in those positions
Educational Team Member Responsibilities:
1. Participate as a member of the educational team
2. Have an awareness of, and help identify student goals and objectives for the IFSP/IEP
3. Attend IFSP/IEP and/or educational team meetings either as an interpreter or as a participant of
the team, but not as both
4. Provide in-services to classroom teachers, students and staff about the roles and responsibilities
of educational interpreters
5. Explain the technical needs of interpreting, i.e., lighting, visual aids, positioning, and the
challenges related to interpreting between languages
6. Share information about social, emotional and cultural aspects of deafness
7. Assist in educating students, staff and other regarding hearing loss
Professional Conduct and Growth:
1. Function in a professional manner appropriate to the situation
2. Dress appropriately for the profession and for the interpreting task
3. Encourage independence in students
4. Remain current in the field by participating in activities, in-services and skill building workshops
to improve knowledge in interpreting, the educational process, and Deaf culture
5. Attend staff meetings
6. Comply with district performance standards, evaluations, policies and procedures
7. Encourage positive relationships among Deaf and hearing peers, staff, and faculty members
8. Perform other reasonable duties during the work day that the immediate supervisor may assign