Interpreter Salary in 2026
Convert spoken messages from one language to another in real-time settings.
Median Salary
$60,170
$5,014/mo
Entry Level
$38,300
starting pay
Senior Level
$85,300
experienced
Job Growth
+18%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Interpreters and Translators (SOC 27-3091) at a national median of $60,170 per year (mean $66,360), or $28.93 per hour, with 52,060 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Interpreter Overview
Convert spoken messages from one language to another in real-time settings.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Services
Total Jobs (US)
52K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Services
Hourly Rate
$28.93/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,014
Interpreter Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Interpreter salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Interpreter Salary
$69,000
$5,750/month · $2,654/biweekly · $33.17/hr
Interpreter Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Interpreter field.
Entry-level Interpreters earn around $38,300, while the top 10% earn $96,250 or more.
Top Paying States for Interpreters
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $71,000 | +$10,830 |
| New York | $69,000 | +$8,830 |
| Illinois | $63,000 | +$2,830 |
| Texas | $59,000 | $-1,170 |
| Florida | $59,000 | $-1,170 |
Top Paying Cities for Interpreters
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $71,000 | +$10,830 |
| Los Angeles | $67,000 | +$6,830 |
| Chicago | $63,000 | +$2,830 |
| Miami | $61,000 | +$830 |
| Houston | $60,000 | $-170 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Interpreter Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Interpreter.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Interpreter Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Interpreter from entry level to expert.
$38,300
0-2 years
$62,000
3-7 years
$85,300
8-14 years
$107,200
15+ years
Interpreter Salary FAQ
How much does a Interpreter make in 2026?
The median salary for a Interpreter in the United States is $60,170 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Interpreters and Translators (SOC 27-3091); the mean is $66,360. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $38,300, senior professionals around $85,300, and top earners at $107,200 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Interpreter?
A Interpreter typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include Bilingual Fluency, Simultaneous Interpretation, Cultural Competency. Relevant certifications such as RID Certification or State Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Interpreters?
The job market for Interpreters is projected to grow by 18% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 52K Interpreter positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 3%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Interpreters the most?
The highest-paying states for Interpreters include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $71,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Interpreter salary?
To increase your Interpreter salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Bilingual Fluency and Simultaneous Interpretation. Pursue certifications such as RID Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $38,300 to $85,300 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Interpreter Salary
How we calculate Interpreter salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Interpreters and Translators (SOC 27-3091), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $60,170, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Interpreters and Translators; BLS mean $66,360; BLS hourly median $28.93.
- Entry-level ($38,300) and senior-level ($85,300) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +18% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 52,060 Interpreters and Translators jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 3% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Services sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $60,170; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Interpreter compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Interpreter job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Services
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Interpreter salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Bilingual Fluency, Simultaneous Interpretation, Cultural Competency), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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