Skip to Main Content

ASL Interpreter Workforce

When discussing the ASL interpreter shortage, workforce statistics help explain why the issue is urgent and why the state of Maryland needs recruitment, retention, and alternative pathway solutions. The issue is not only an interpreter shortage — it is communication access, public accessibility, and civil rights for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities.

National Workforce Statistics

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

  • There were approximately 75,300 interpreters and translators employed in the U.S. in 2024. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • About 6,900 openings are projected annually over the next decade, largely due to retirements and workforce turnover. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Demand for ASL interpreters continues to increase because of:
    • Video Relay Services (VRS),
    • healthcare access needs,
    • education requirements,
    • ADA compliance,
    • and government accessibility obligations. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Aging Workforce Concerns

A major issue is that many experienced interpreters are approaching retirement age. A 2025 Michigan Interpreter Needs Assessment found:

  • 67.8% of interpreters had 10+ years of experience
  • 1 in 3 interpreters were over age 51
  • Nearly 1 in 4 interpreters planned to leave the field within 10 years. (Michigan.gov)

This means:

  • experienced interpreters are leaving faster than new interpreters are entering,
  • specialized interpreting skills may be lost,
  • and mentorship pipelines are shrinking.

Interpreter Education Pipeline Challenges

The interpreter training pipeline is limited nationwide.
One 2025 review reported:

  • only about 125 ASL interpreter education programs currently exist nationwide,
  • and only 18 were accredited. (dayinterpreting.com)

This creates barriers because:

  • many states have few nearby programs,
  • rural students lack access,
  • and diverse communities remain underrepresented in the field.

Burnout & Retention Statistics

Burnout is a growing workforce issue.
A 2025 study on postsecondary interpreters found:

  • 18% reported significant burnout symptoms. (Benjamins)

Common reasons include:

  • heavy workloads,
  • inconsistent scheduling,
  • VRS fatigue,
  • emotional stress,
  • lack of benefits,
  • and isolation in freelance work.

Diversity Gaps in the Workforce

The interpreter workforce does not yet reflect the diversity of the Deaf community.
Community discussions and workforce advocates continue raising concerns about:

  • underrepresentation of Black interpreters,
  • lack of BIPOC interpreters,
  • barriers affecting CODAs and low-income students,
  • and economic obstacles to interpreter training. (Reddit)

This affects:

  • cultural competency,
  • language matching,
  • and equitable communication access.

High-Demand Settings Facing Shortages

Interpreter shortages are especially severe in:

  • healthcare,
  • mental health,
  • K–12 education,
  • legal settings,
  • rural communities,
  • DeafBlind services,
  • and emergency response systems. (multilingual.com)

Examples:

  • schools struggle to fill educational interpreter positions,
  • hospitals experience interpreter gaps,
  • and rural areas often rely heavily on VRI because in-person interpreters are unavailable.

Any questions or concerns, email [email protected].