There are currently an estimated 68,200 sign language interpreters in the United States. The sign language interpreter job market is expected to grow by 17.7% between 2016 and 2026.
How employable are sign language interpreters?
CareerExplorer rates sign language interpreters with a B employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 16,400 sign language interpreters. That number is based on 12,100 additional sign language interpreters, and the retirement of 4,300 existing sign language interpreters.
What’s the supply of sign language interpreters?
The sign language interpreter industry is concentrated in California, Texas, Florida
Sign Language Interpreter job market by state
| State Name | Employed Sign Language Interpreters |
|---|---|
| California | 8,670 |
| Texas | 4,850 |
| Florida | 3,110 |
| New York | 2,700 |
| Arizona | 2,550 |
| Virginia | 2,170 |
| Massachusetts | 1,990 |
| Ohio | 1,920 |
| Utah | 1,760 |
| North Carolina | 1,640 |
| Minnesota | 1,470 |
| Illinois | 1,440 |
| Washington | 1,410 |
| Colorado | 1,380 |
| Oregon | 1,170 |
| Missouri | 1,150 |
| Georgia | 1,050 |
| Maryland | 970 |
| Wisconsin | 950 |
| Michigan | 810 |
| Pennsylvania | 800 |
| Indiana | 740 |
| Tennessee | 690 |
| Nebraska | 680 |
| Iowa | 600 |
| Kansas | 560 |
| New Mexico | 520 |
| New Jersey | 500 |
| South Carolina | 500 |
| Oklahoma | 490 |
| District of Columbia | 460 |
| Kentucky | 450 |
| Connecticut | 340 |
| Alabama | 240 |
| South Dakota | 240 |
| Idaho | 160 |
| Vermont | 160 |
| Mississippi | 150 |
| Arkansas | 140 |
| Maine | 140 |
| Hawaii | 140 |
| New Hampshire | 120 |
| Puerto Rico | 120 |
| Louisiana | 120 |
| Rhode Island | 100 |
| Alaska | 100 |
| West Virginia | 90 |
| North Dakota | 70 |
| Montana | 60 |
| Delaware | 50 |