For Interpreters

Registration for FY 25 starts June 1, 2024!

All Interpreters must renew annually.

For information about rates, please scroll down. 

ODHH manages the statewide Sign Language Interpreter contracts in cooperation with Department of Enterprise Services (DES). ODHH monitors contractual compliance including certification of Interpreters, quality of services, and adherence to best practices. All our approved and registered Sign Language Interpreters are certified (or have received credentials as qualified by ODHH) and abide by the Code of Professional Conduct of the National Association of the Deaf and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.

Certified Sign Language Interpreters who wish to accept jobs through the DES Statewide Contract can register with ODHH anytime throughout the year. All registrations and renewals include submitting a background application through DSHS. When registering for the first time, you must send a copy of your initial certification to ODHH along with a head shot for your badge. Once you are approved, the agencies who have a statewide contract can book you. Each agency has their own business criteria, so please communicate with these agencies if you intend to work through them.

Register if this is your first time. 

Renew if you have previously registered.

Please email a copy of your Certification and headshot photo to signlanguageinterpreters@dshs.wa.gov

We are setting up digital badges this year (FY 2025). If you want your headshot picture updated, please send it to the SLICR Program email.

If you have any questions about registering or renewing with ODHH or need assistance with the process, please contact the Sign Language Interpreter Contracts & Resources Program:

Manager: Berle Ross at Berle.Ross@dshs.wa.gov or 360-339-4559

Specialist: Kate Faro at Kate.Faro@dshs.wa.gov or 564-200-3559

The hourly rates for interpreters depend on their number of years of experience since your initial certification. After every five years of experience, interpreters’ rates move up to the next rate bracket. The first year of interpreting is considered year one. After every set of five years you move up to the next bracket. This happens quarterly on the first day of January, April, July, and October. If initial certification was on one of those dates, they are moved up at the next quarterly rate bracket change. Rates also depend on whether the appointment is in King County or any other county. Lastly, additional increases may be added for assignments during an evening/weekend/holiday, and for appointments where special certifications apply, such as DeafBlind, PTASL, legal, medical, mental health. ODHH must have approved certification on file.  

Please check for specific rates according to brackets through the Pricing link for each Contractor (agency) at the DES page. 

The table below indicates interpreters’ approval status and rate bracket. We conduct the registration process and update this list every Friday. Interpreters are listed in alphabetical order.