Does anyone on here actually do ASL interpreting?

Question

I know it pays good, but doesn't that also depend on how often you get a "gig"? Do you make a generous amount? Would you make more if you worked full time interpreting such as in a hospital or air port rather than on call interpreting at an interpreting company?

Answer 1

Good question. I am a professional interpreter and have been doing it for about 10 years. I have worked full time as an interpreter at a video phone company, a university, in the public school system, and have done freelance. There are not too many hospitals that do full time interpreting but you can find them. Most of them use freelance companies. An interpreter can get a full-time job working for a freelance agency in which they are promised a certain amount of hours during the week and sometimes are paid salary. The agency handles all the "gigs" and scheduling. All you do is tell the agency your avaliability and they fit you in. An interpreter can also chose to do freelance interpreting without an agency. Sometimes it is hard to find work but now with so many opportunities if you can get your name out there it isn't hard. I have the hospital calling every week and I have only interpreted there once in the town I am living in. Certified, talented interpreters can usually find work. The only problem is now you have to handle taxes, billing, and all the other paperwork. If you are going to do freelance sometimes it is just easier to join an agency, and their tends to be enough work.  

Answer 2

I have, but not professionally. I think you'll probably make out better if you worked somewhere, since usually freelance work doesn't pay real well. If they know you understand their business, they'll pay more than if you're just a person off the street who does not know the specialized terminology. A specialized freelancer might do better, but it might be tough to get work.