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Sign Language Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

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Sign Language information

See Massachusetts salary details

$32.2K

$71.8K

$77.5K

How much do sign language jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for sign language in Massachusetts is $71,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,400.00 and $75,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Sign Language Interpreter, you need fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) or relevant sign systems and typically hold a certification such as the NIC or CI/CT from RID. Familiarity with interpreting equipment, video relay services (VRS), and remote interpreting platforms is also important. Outstanding listening, cultural competency, and the ability to remain impartial are key soft skills for effective communication. These abilities are vital to accurately convey information between deaf and hearing individuals, ensuring accessibility and mutual understanding.

What is a sign language interpreter?

Sign language interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and those who use spoken language. They translate spoken language into sign language and vice versa, ensuring that information is conveyed accurately and effectively. Interpreters work in various settings, including schools, medical facilities, legal proceedings, and public events. Their goal is to bridge communication gaps and provide equal access to information for everyone.

What jobs can you get with sign language?

Jobs for individuals skilled in sign language include sign language interpreter, deaf educator, communication access specialist, and ASL teacher. These roles often require certification or licensing and involve facilitating communication for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals in settings such as schools, healthcare, legal, or public events.

What is the difference between Sign Language vs Interpreter?

AspectSign LanguageInterpreter
CredentialsKnowledge of sign language, certifications varyCertified sign language interpreters often hold specific certifications (e.g., NIC)
Work EnvironmentUsed in communication with deaf or hard-of-hearing individualsFacilitates communication between deaf and hearing parties in various settings
Industry UsageLanguage used by deaf communities, educators, and advocatesProfessionally interprets sign language in medical, legal, educational, and business settings

Sign Language refers to the language itself used by deaf communities, while an Interpreter is a professional who translates between sign language and spoken language. Both are essential in facilitating communication, but Sign Language is a language, and Interpreter is a role that requires specific skills and certifications.

What jobs can I get if I know sign language?

Sign language skills can qualify you for roles such as sign language interpreter, where you facilitate communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and others, often requiring certification. Other opportunities include working as a deaf education teacher, counselor, or in customer service roles that serve deaf communities, often benefiting from knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and related tools.

Is there a high demand for sign language interpreters?

Sign language interpreters are in high demand, especially in educational, healthcare, and legal settings, due to the need for effective communication with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Employment opportunities are expected to grow faster than average, and certification through organizations like the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf can enhance job prospects.

What are the common challenges sign language interpreters face when working in diverse settings, and how can they prepare for them?

Sign language interpreters often work in a variety of environments such as educational institutions, medical facilities, and legal settings, each with unique terminology and communication needs. A common challenge is quickly adapting to specialized vocabulary or unfamiliar subject matter while ensuring accurate and clear interpretation. Preparation involves continuous professional development, familiarizing oneself with relevant jargon, and collaborating closely with both Deaf and hearing clients to clarify expectations. Building strong relationships with colleagues and consistently reviewing ethical guidelines also help interpreters navigate complex situations effectively.

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Sign Language jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Sign Language job openings:

Infographic showing various Sign Language job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,770 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Specialized Deaf Interpreter- Hybrid

Advocates

Framingham, MA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Salary: $71,760--$79,560 for 30 hours/week

Schedule: 4 day work week

The Specialized Deaf Interpreter (DI) acts as a vital communicative and cultural liaison between Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, hard of hearing, and non-deaf individuals within the Advocates community. The Deaf Interpreter facilitates communication access for individuals who use a variety of communication styles and multimodal approaches, including American Sign Language (ASL), ProTactile language, tactile and tracking modalities, visual communication, gestures, home signs, and other individualized communication methods. Services may be provided directly and/or in collaboration with ASL-English interpreters utilizing a Deaf-led, Open Process model of interpreting.

The Deaf Interpreter also translates English-print information into ASL, supports communication access initiatives, and provides consultation regarding Deaf culture, language access, and accessibility best practices related to communication access. The Deaf Interpreter reports to the Director of Communication Access and provides services throughout the agency to Advocates employees and communities accessing Advocates services.

This is a hybrid position with in-person responisbilities in MA.


Associate's Degree
  • Provide direct and indirect interpretation services for individuals throughout the agency using ASL, tactile language/modalities, language influenced by language deprivation, home signs, gestures, and other visual communication systems.
  • Facilitate communication access utilizing a Deaf-led, Open Process model of interpreting that incorporates the linguistic, cultural, and accessibility needs of both signers and non-signers.
  • Assess communication needs and adapt interpreting, captioning, and other approaches to support effective and equitable communication access.
  • Translate English-print materials, agency communications, and other content into accessible ASL.
  • Work collaboratively with ASL-English interpreters, Communication Access team members, Advocates staff, community interpreters, external service providers, and agency leadership to support communication access during assignments, meetings, trainings, and agency events.
  • Support the Director of Communication Access and Assistant Director of Communication Access in providing consultation, guidance, and education to employees regarding Deaf culture, communication strategies, language access, accessibility best practices, and communication equity.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Communication Access, Assistant Director of Communication Access, Scheduling Specialist, Administrative Specialist and other departments to support communication access planning, service delivery, accessibility initiatives, and quality assurance efforts.
  • Communicate regularly with the Director of Communication Access, Assistant Director of Communication Access, Scheduling Specialist, Administrative Specialist and other relevant staff regarding assignment logistics, scheduling concerns, changes in communication needs, accessibility barriers, and service delivery challenges.
  • Support the mentoring of Communication Access interns in settings deemed appropriate by the Director of Communication Access.
  • Provide communication access services in both in-person and remote environments as assigned. Utilize agency-approved technology and virtual platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other communication tools, to participate in meetings, trainings, consultations, and interpreting assignments while maintaining professionalism, accessibility, and confidentiality.
  • Participate in departmental meetings, supervision, trainings, and other activities that support Communication Access team goals and organizational objectives.
  • Adhere to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct and all applicable confidentiality requirements.
  • Maintain professional competency through community involvement, professional development activities, and participation in relevant professional organizations.
  • Treat all Advocates community members with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates' Human Rights Policy and The Advocates Way. Promptly report concerns regarding abuse or neglect of persons served, accessibility barriers, discrimination, or other human rights concerns through appropriate agency reporting procedures.  Report concerns related to employee discrimination through supervisory channels or by following the Hate, Discriminatory, or Oppressive Behavior (HDOB) reporting protocol.
  • Perform all duties in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and performance standards.

  • Fluency in American Sign Language and written English. Native and heritage signers are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • A.A. Degree required, B.A. or B.S. degree in related field preferred.
  • MCDHH screening or equivalent preferred.
  • National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification preferred. Non-certified candidates are expected to actively work towards national certification under the guidance of their supervisor.   
  • Must have interpreting experience in a wide variety of settings. Experience in human services systems preferred; examples include behavioral health, substance use recovery, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, independent living resources, and/or language deprivation.
  • Understanding of Deaf community culture, language, and intersectional identities required. Experience with Deaf, Deafblind, Deaf-disabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened identities preferred.
  • Must possess strong interpersonal skills for working in a diverse multi-lingual, multi-cultural community.
  • Basic computer knowledge required. Experience with video translation recording and editing preferred.
  • Must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • Ability to be flexible with assignment needs within agreed upon schedule.
  • Must have transportation access available during working hours to travel between sites.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.