Interpreters and Translator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Interpreters and Translators Make?
Interpreters and Translators earn a median annual salary of $59,440 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $35,630 at the 10th percentile to $99,830 at the 90th percentile — a range of $64,200. The highest-paying state is New York at $84,650.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,630 |
| 25th percentile | $45,020 |
| Median (50th) | $59,440 |
| 75th percentile | $80,020 |
| 90th percentile | $99,830 |
Interpreters and Translator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Yorktop | $84,650 |
| District of Columbia | $81,140 |
| Maryland | $78,350 |
| Virginia | $74,250 |
| California | $73,510 |
| Washington | $69,620 |
| Colorado | $66,590 |
| Utah | $65,990 |
| Massachusetts | $65,490 |
| West Virginia | $63,750 |
| Minnesota | $63,440 |
| Georgia | $61,610 |
| Oregon | $61,520 |
| Wisconsin | $61,000 |
| Vermont | $60,210 |
| Alaska | $59,280 |
| New Mexico | $59,010 |
| Ohio | $57,850 |
| Wyoming | $57,700 |
| Connecticut | $57,700 |
| Idaho | $56,340 |
| Maine | $54,890 |
| New Hampshire | $54,650 |
| Illinois | $53,870 |
| Kentucky | $53,820 |
| Michigan | $52,240 |
| Missouri | $52,080 |
| Arkansas | $50,880 |
| North Carolina | $50,830 |
| Iowa | $50,110 |
| Delaware | $49,790 |
| South Dakota | $49,630 |
| Tennessee | $49,270 |
| Nebraska | $49,070 |
| Pennsylvania | $49,010 |
| Arizona | $48,200 |
| Nevada | $47,890 |
| Kansas | $47,830 |
| Hawaii | $47,580 |
| Indiana | $47,470 |
| South Carolina | $47,060 |
| Oklahoma | $46,640 |
| Florida | $46,320 |
| Montana | $46,240 |
| North Dakota | $46,150 |
| Alabama | $45,760 |
| Texas | $45,610 |
| New Jersey | $45,120 |
| Louisiana | $45,060 |
| Mississippi | $43,410 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Interpreters and Translators
Interpreters and Translator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$35,630 – $45,020 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$59,440 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$80,020 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $99,830+ |
How to Earn More as an Interpreters and Translator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Interpreters and Translators in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $96,510 — $37,070 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($80,020) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Interpreters and Translator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Interpreters and Translatorthis career | $59,440 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $58,040 |
| English Language and Literature Teacher | $78,270 |
| Foreign Language and Literature Teacher | $77,010 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $62,340 |
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SOC: 27-3091.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.