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Sign Language Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Provides sign language interpreter services to patients who are deaf or hard of hearing and works cooperatively with patient care providers and ancillary staff to ensure all standards of care are ...

Sign Language Interpreter

Tomah, WI · On-site

$64K/yr

Provides sign language interpreter services to patients who are deaf or hard of hearing and works cooperatively with patient care providers and ancillary staff to ensure all standards of care are ...

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Sign Language information

See Wisconsin salary details

$29.8K

$66.3K

$71.7K

How much do sign language jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for sign language in Wisconsin is $66,331.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $69,600.00 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 are sign language interpreters?

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.

Is there a career in sign language?

A career in sign language typically involves becoming a sign language interpreter or translator, working in settings such as schools, healthcare, or legal environments. Certification from organizations like the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) can enhance job prospects, and strong communication skills are essential for success in this field.

How much money do sign 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 often earn higher wages, and certification can improve earning potential.

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 ASL in high demand?

Sign language interpreters, including those skilled in American Sign Language (ASL), are in high demand due to increased awareness of accessibility and legal requirements. Employment opportunities are strong in healthcare, education, government, and private sectors, often requiring certification and good communication skills.

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.
Infographic showing various Sign Language job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $66,331 per year, or $31.9 per hour.
Sign Language Interpreter

$64K/yr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Tomah Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

POSITION DETAILS

Hours and shifts are on an "as needed" basis.

JOB SUMMARY:

Provides sign language interpreter services to patients who are deaf or hard of hearing and works cooperatively with patient care providers and ancillary staff to ensure all standards of care are maintained.  Sign Language Interpreters will be utilized to assure complete, accurate, impartial and confidential communication is accomplished at Tomah Health.

MAJOR JOB FUNCTION:

  1. Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL).  Completes the process of understanding and analyzing a signed message and re-expressing through sign language that message faithfully, accurately and objectively, taking the cultural and social context into account.
  2. Translates material.  Uses active listening skills to accurately interpret spoken language and convey the intended meaning.
  3. Reviews any written documents or orders and communicates them to the patient and/or family; helps complete any required paperwork (if needed) by communicating it to the patient and assisting them with its completion.
  4. Treats patients as a top priority; is flexible and accommodating to meet patient and staff needs.
  5. Ensure understanding of patient’s desires and/or requirements and then effectively communicates those desires or requirements to the appropriate staff or provider.
  6. Fosters a work atmosphere which respects individual differences and takes those differences into account when interpreting.
  7. Treats others with dignity and contributes to a workplace which meets the needs of medical providers and clinical support staff and performs services in a manner that assures a safe environment for patients.
  8. Performs independently by being self-motivated however, asks for guidance when necessary and responds to guidance constructively.
  9. Serves as a language resource person for staff, providers and the community.  Conducts informational sessions/education offerings as needed/directed.
  10. Understands the necessity for maintaining confidentiality of all sensitive information to those who have a legitimate “need to know” and conducts discussions of confidential information in appropriate settings to avoid unintentional disclosure.
  11. Performs all other duties as assigned.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

  1. WORK ETHICS STANDARD: Affirm a commitment to making the Tomah Health work environment better through: patient advocacy, continuing education, and valuation of each individual person.
  2. COMMUNICATION STANDARD: Affirm a commitment to use open and honest communication with all Tomah Health customers (in-house & community-wide) through: basic customer courtesy (phone, written, face-to-face) and active listening.
  3. TEAMWORK STANDARD: Affirm a commitment to be a proud, dependable Tomah Health TEAM member through: basic customer courtesy, patient advocacy, flexibility, and valuation of each individual person.
  4. QUALITY STANDARD: Affirm a commitment to provide respectful, compassionate, quality care with integrity to all Tomah Health customers (in-house & community-wide) through: job excellence, patient advocacy, and self-dignity.
  5. PROFESSIONALISM STANDARD: Affirm a commitment to professional conduct towards all Tomah Health customers (in-house & community-wide) through: collaboration, teamwork, appearance, environment, and valuation of each individual person.
  6. ATTITUDE STANDARD: Affirm a commitment to maintain a positive, professional perspective towards all Tomah Health customers (in-house & community-wide) through: honest feedback, confidentiality, basic customer courtesy, and valuation of each individual person.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  1. High School Diploma or GED.
  2. Minimum of four years sign language instruction or relevant experience.
  3. Certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).  Sign Language Certification by the State of WI preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

  1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  2. Excellent human relation skills as demonstrated by the ability to interface positively with all customers and employees.
  3. Knowledge of theory, principles, techniques and practice of professional interpretation.
  4. General knowledge of medical terminology and practices as it relates to patient care.
  5. Must have the knowledge and maintain established competency levels to perform essential professional practice.
  6. Must have the ability to work with frequent interruptions, under stress, with minimal supervision, and to exercise initiative and judgment in analyzing, organizing, planning, prioritizing, scheduling and coordinating work with others.
  7. Needs to possess a high level of intelligence, integrity, sense of responsibility and ability to comprehend and analyze details.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
  1. Regularly required to talk and hear.
  2. Good hearing is necessary to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound.
  3. Visual acuity is needed to communicate and interpret with the patient.
  4. Arrives within the appropriate timeframe by the staff requesting the service and demonstrates scheduling flexibility within limits of ability.

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