How much does a Sign language interpreter make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Sign language interpreter

Sign language interpreter

38 300 kr

Translators, interpreters and linguists etc.

31 500 - 48 100 kr / month

Women earn 102% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Sign language interpreter

Average salary 38 300 kr
Males 37 700 kr
Females 38 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 28 Vacant jobs ->

What does a sign language interpreter do? – Tasks and work environment

A sign language interpreter acts as a linguistic bridge between hearing and deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. The tasks involve interpreting conversations, meetings, training sessions, lectures, and other situations where communication occurs between people with different linguistic backgrounds. The interpreter uses both Swedish Sign Language and Swedish, sometimes also other alternative communication methods. The work environment varies – a workday can include settings in classrooms, courtrooms, hospitals, digital interpreting platforms, or clients' homes. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to different environments and situations are central qualities in the profession.

Salary development over time

The salary for sign language interpreters has shown a clear increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month. During 2023, there was a slight decrease to 33 500 SEK, but then the salary increased markedly to 38 300 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of approximately 10.8% from 2023 to 2024, which is notable compared to many other professions. The salary development can be linked to a rising demand for qualified interpreters and a greater awareness of accessibility and inclusion in society, strengthening the profession's position in the labor market.

Sign language interpreter salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 48,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, postgraduate education)
  • Hourly wage: 230 SEK/hour
  • Women’s salary in relation to men: 102 % (women 38 500 SEK, men 37 700 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Specific figures are lacking, but variations may occur depending on demand and employer.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a sign language interpreter typically involves a university degree in the interpreter program, often three years full-time. Formal requirements include good knowledge of Swedish and Swedish Sign Language, and sometimes work experience from other professions. Practical components are mandatory, and some interpreters choose to supplement with further training or certifications to broaden their skills.

  • University degree: Interpreter program, 3 years (180 ECTS)
  • Certifications: Interpreter authorization via Kammarkollegiet (voluntary but meritorious)
  • Practical training: Included in the education, often several weeks
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and Swedish Sign Language
  • Further education: Possible within specializations, e.g., legal interpreting

Working as a sign language interpreter often requires quickly familiarizing oneself with new subject areas, as interpretation can take place in very different environments – from hospitals to cultural events. The ability to be flexible and curious about new fields of knowledge is therefore highly valuable.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Many sign language interpreters have access to collective agreements, which include occupational pensions, insurance, and holiday pay. Other common benefits are wellness allowances, professional development, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work during digital interpreting. Working hours can sometimes be irregular but also offer some freedom to manage one's workday.

Competition and challenges

The job market for sign language interpreters is characterized by a relatively small but specialized workforce, where competition for permanent positions can be high, especially in metropolitan areas. At the same time, there is a steady demand for interpreters within the public sector, education, and healthcare. Challenges include constantly changing work environments, high demands on concentration and mental presence, and the risk of voice or musculoskeletal injuries during long interpreting assignments. Digitalization and remote interpreting have transformed the profession and require new skills in technology and adaptability.

Tips for those who want to become a sign language interpreter

To succeed as a sign language interpreter, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in language and communication, as well as the ability to listen actively and interpret nuances. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to different situations are crucial, as work environments vary greatly. Precision and a strong ethical compass are required, since interpreters often handle sensitive information and must maintain confidentiality. It is also important to be resilient under stress and able to work with maintained quality under pressure, especially during extensive or complex assignments. Continuing education and staying updated on new interpreting methods and technology are a big advantage. Social competence and the ability to build trust with clients and colleagues contribute to a successful career in the field.

Key facts about sign language interpreters

  • Salary range: 31,500–48,100 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
  • Educational level: University degree (interpreter program, 3 years)
  • Work form: Commonly both permanent positions and hourly employment
  • Women’s salary in relation to men: 102 %

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a sign language interpreter can develop into specialized roles, such as legal interpreter, conference interpreter, or trainer within interpretation. Some choose to work in project management or as coordinators for interpreting services. The prognosis from the Employment Service indicates that the profession is part of a larger group with stable demand, although there is no specific assessment for sign language interpreters. The number of available jobs in the field is significant, with 620 advertised positions, indicating good opportunities for those who are flexible and willing to further develop their skills.

Frequently asked questions about sign language interpreters

  • What does a sign language interpreter earn?
    - A sign language interpreter has an average salary of 38 300 SEK per month.
  • How has the salary development for sign language interpreters been?
    - The salary has increased significantly over the past year, from 33 500 SEK (2023) to 38 300 SEK (2024).
  • What education is required to become a sign language interpreter?
    - A university degree (interpreter program, 3 years) is standard, often including practical training and sometimes additional certification.
  • Are there differences in salary between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 102 % of what men do in the profession.
  • What work environments are common for sign language interpreters?
    - The work environment is highly varied and can include schools, hospitals, courts, and digital platforms.
  • What are the future prospects for sign language interpreters?
    - The outlook is stable, with many job openings in the field according to current statistics.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 06:27:45

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Sign language interpreter is 48100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 47100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Sign language interpreter is 31500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 34200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 36200 kr 36700 kr
45-54 37500 kr 38200 kr
55-64 41100 kr 41700 kr
Snitt 102% 37700 kr 38300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Sign language interpreter has the SSYK code 2643, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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