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ASL-English Interpreter, Interpreter, LSQ-French Interpreter
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
The process of interpreting is the same regardless of the languages involved. A message from one language and cultural context must be expressed accurately in another. An interpreter’s goal is to provide an effective and accurate interpretation while refraining from counselling, advising, or interjecting personal opinions. A sign language interpreter interprets all spoken and signed utterances.
Prior to appointments, sign language interpreters take the time to review relevant information.
Individuals requiring interpretation services are asked to provide many types of information. This includes information about terminology, copies of working documents, meeting handouts, agendas, and minutes, and any other relevant information or materials. In educational settings, schools will provide texts, handouts, audiovisual materials, and other course materials in advance. This allows interpreters to become familiar with course theory and terminology.
In school settings, sign language interpreters may interpret:
Sign language interpreters provide interpretation services wherever communication and interaction happens. They may work in settings such as:
Depending on the length and complexity of an assignment, interpreters may work in teams. This facilitates communication and ensures message equivalency. It also reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Any form of simultaneous language interpretation is mentally stressful. Sign language interpretation is also physically demanding. Therefore, industry best practices place limits on the duration of work assignments. Sign language interpreters on teams most often work no longer than 15 to 30 minutes at a time, and no more than about 22 hours a week.
Interpreters who work as independent contractors have a standard minimum assignment length. In addition, they make their own schedules and may choose to work irregular hours.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in listening to speakers or reading from texts in order to interpret statements made during speeches, meetings, conferences, debates and conversation, or in court or before administrative tribunals
Interest in analyzing information when listening to and watching the source language, in processing the content, meaning, context and affect, and in reproducing messages simultaneously, or consecutively
Interest in speaking to facilitate communication between individuals with differing languages
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Qualifications differ significantly among sectors, so sign language interpreters must choose to work in settings where their skills align well with the communication required. Sign language interpreters follow a professional Code of Ethics. They need:
They should enjoy the process of interpreting and facilitating communication. More and more, people with hearing disabilities are being trained as interpreters and are often part of the interpreting team. Hearing is not required.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 28, 2023 and Jun 20, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Experience: Will train | 51 |
|---|---|
| Own Tools/Equipment: Cellular phone | 26 |
| Tasks: Interpret oral communication from one language to another aloud or using electronic equipment | 22 |
| Tasks: Interpret language for individuals and small groups | 22 |
| Tasks: Interpret for persons speaking an Aboriginal or foreign language | 21 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 19 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 19 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 18 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 18 |
| Tasks: Translate a variety of written material | 18 |
Sign language interpreters must have excellent spoken English or French skills and be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) or la langue des signes québécoise (LSQ). Employers generally prefer to hire interpreters who:
For information about interpreter training programs in Canada, visit the CASLI website.
Admission to an interpreter training program generally requires a high level of skill in American Sign Language. ASL classes are offered through continuing education at high schools and post-secondary schools.
Familiarity with Signing Exact English may be beneficial when working with some individuals who prefer this mode of communication. NOTE: Signing Exact English is not a language and is not prevalent in most communities; very few individuals use this method of communication.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, employers consider certification an asset.
Voluntary certification is available from the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI).
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Sign language interpreters may work for institutions, interpreter referral agencies, or as independent contractors.
Interpreters in educational settings may work in public or private elementary or secondary schools, post-secondary schools, or schools for people with hearing disabilities. Interpreters who have business or administrative skills may be hired to coordinate interpreting services for agencies, post-secondary and other schools, conventions, or for other short-term assignments.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Translators, terminologists and interpreters
2016 NOC: 5125
84.4% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Incomes and benefits vary depending on the interpreter’s skill level, certification, education, experience, and professional development.
Interpreters may be paid by the hour, half day, or full day. Typically, they charge a 2-hour or half-day minimum and require at least 48 hours’ notice of cancellation.
Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Alberta (ASLIA) website: www.aslia.ca
Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC) website: www.avlic.ca
Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) website: www.casli.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 24, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
