Position
Salary

How much does a Interpreter make?

The average salary for a Interpreter is $65,342 per year in the US.

Interpreters often earn a solid income that reflects their critical role in communication. The average yearly salary for interpreters sits at $65,342, providing a reliable income for those in the profession. This salary can vary based on factors like experience, location, and the specific language pair.

A look at the salary distribution reveals that many interpreters find themselves in the middle to higher salary brackets. The top 20% of interpreters earn over $90,000 annually, while the bottom 20% earn around $30,000 or less. This spread showcases the potential for growth and higher earnings as interpreters gain experience and specialize in high-demand languages. For those entering the field, these figures offer a clear picture of the financial rewards that come with dedication and expertise.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Interpreter?

Job seekers aiming for interpreter roles can find top salaries in several cities. Santa Maria, CA, offers the highest average salary for interpreters at $112,381. Seattle, WA, follows closely with an average salary of $85,168. These figures show the potential for interpreters in these locations. In addition to Santa Maria and Seattle, interpreters can also earn competitive salaries in Austin, TX, Augusta, GA, and Charleston, SC. Each of these cities provides a solid financial incentive for interpreters. This information can help job seekers target areas with the best compensation for their skills.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Interpreter jobs, highlighting Santa Maria, CA with the highest at $112,381 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $78,702.
  1. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $112,381
    Working in Santa Maria offers interpreters a chance to bridge language gaps in a vibrant community. Key employers include local government offices and community health centers, providing stable opportunities. The city’s moderate climate makes commutes easy.
    Find Interpreter jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $85,168
    Seattle's dynamic environment provides many chances for interpreters, especially in tech and healthcare sectors. Companies like Amazon and Kaiser Permanente need professionals who can communicate effectively. The city's rich culture also offers diverse language-related tasks.
    Find Interpreter jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $85,030
    In Austin, interpreters can find work in tech companies and educational institutions. The growing tech scene creates a demand for language services in diverse settings. The lively community makes networking easier.
    Find Interpreter jobs in Austin, TX


  4. Augusta, GA
    Average Salary: $83,917
    Augusta offers a quieter pace for interpreters, with opportunities in healthcare and legal sectors. Local hospitals and law firms provide stable positions. The city’s friendly atmosphere makes it easy to integrate.
    Find Interpreter jobs in Augusta, GA


  5. Charleston, SC
    Average Salary: $83,022
    Charleston’s rich history and tourism industry offer interpreters many chances in hospitality and cultural institutions. Visitors need assistance, creating a steady demand. The city’s charm adds to the professional experience.
    Find Interpreter jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $82,891
    New Orleans is a unique place for interpreters, with opportunities in tourism and multicultural events. The city’s vibrant festivals and cultural scenes need language skills. Working here offers a mix of professional and cultural growth.
    Find Interpreter jobs in New Orleans, LA


  7. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $81,387
    In Portland, interpreters find work in tech and environmental sectors. Companies like Intel and local NGOs offer various positions. The city’s progressive nature and green initiatives create a diverse work environment.
    Find Interpreter jobs in Portland, OR


  8. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $80,824
    Hartford provides interpreters with opportunities in the insurance and legal sectors. Major firms like Aetna and local government offices need language services. The city’s historical background adds depth to professional roles.
    Find Interpreter jobs in Hartford, CT


  9. Lexington, KY
    Average Salary: $79,028
    Lexington offers interpreters a chance to work in education and healthcare. The University of Kentucky and local hospitals provide steady employment. The city’s welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to settle in.
    Find Interpreter jobs in Lexington, KY


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $78,702
    Los Angeles offers interpreters many chances in entertainment and media. Major studios and TV networks need language skills. The city’s diverse population offers a rich experience in various languages.
    Find Interpreter jobs in Los Angeles, CA

What are the best companies a Interpreter can work for?

Interpreters can find some of the best-paying job opportunities with CACI International and CTS LanguageLink. These companies offer competitive salaries, making them attractive for those in the field. National Staffing Solutions and GHR Healthcare also provide solid compensation packages for interpreters.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Interpreter jobs, highlighting CACI International with the highest at $134,200 and The Stepping Stones Group with the lowest at $83,974.
  1. CACI International
    Average Salary: $134,200
    CACI International offers interpreters a rewarding career with competitive pay. They work in various locations, including government agencies, military, and healthcare sectors, providing interpretation services for critical communications. Their interpreters often work in high-stakes environments, ensuring clear and accurate communication.


  2. CTS LanguageLink
    Average Salary: $111,055
    CTS LanguageLink is a leading provider of language and interpretation services. They offer interpreters jobs in many areas, including healthcare, legal, and government sectors. Interpreters at CTS LanguageLink enjoy flexible scheduling and the opportunity to work with diverse clients.


  3. Cayuse Holdings
    Average Salary: $106,826
    Cayuse Holdings offers interpreters a chance to work in various industries, such as healthcare, government, and education. Their interpreters provide essential services to help bridge language barriers. They offer competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth.


  4. National Staffing Solutions
    Average Salary: $102,847
    National Staffing Solutions places interpreters in various roles across different sectors. Their interpreters work in healthcare, government, and corporate environments. They offer a stable work environment with competitive salaries and benefits.


  5. GHR Healthcare
    Average Salary: $97,091
    GHR Healthcare offers interpreters a chance to work in the healthcare sector, providing critical communication services. Their interpreters work in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. They offer competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development.


  6. New Jersey Courts
    Average Salary: $90,763
    New Jersey Courts offers interpreters a stable career with a strong focus on the legal sector. Their interpreters work in courtrooms and other legal settings, ensuring accurate communication. They offer competitive salaries and benefits.


  7. 7C Lingo
    Average Salary: $89,395
    7C Lingo provides interpreters with opportunities in various sectors, including healthcare, legal, and corporate. Their interpreters work with diverse clients, ensuring clear communication. They offer competitive salaries and flexible scheduling.


  8. CareStaff Partners
    Average Salary: $88,813
    CareStaff Partners offers interpreters a chance to work in the healthcare sector. Their interpreters provide essential services in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment.


  9. Universal Language Service, Inc.
    Average Salary: $87,276
    Universal Language Service, Inc. offers interpreters various opportunities across different sectors, including healthcare, legal, and corporate. Their interpreters ensure clear communication for diverse clients. They offer competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth.


  10. The Stepping Stones Group
    Average Salary: $83,974
    The Stepping Stones Group offers interpreters jobs in various industries, including healthcare and corporate. Their interpreters provide essential communication services. They offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment.

How to earn more as a Interpreter?

Interpreters can enhance their earning potential by focusing on several key areas. Specialization in a specific field, such as legal, medical, or conference interpreting, can lead to higher demand and pay rates. Continuous professional development through courses and certifications also improves skills and market value. Building a strong network within the industry connects interpreters with more job opportunities and higher-paying clients. Effective marketing of one's services, including a professional website and social media presence, helps attract more clients. Finally, negotiating higher rates with clients and understanding market rates ensures fair compensation for expertise.

Interpreters should consider these strategies to maximize their earnings. Specialization narrows the focus, allowing interpreters to become experts in their chosen field. Ongoing education keeps skills sharp and current, attracting clients seeking specialized knowledge. Networking opens doors to exclusive job opportunities and referrals, often leading to better pay. A solid marketing strategy boosts visibility and draws in new clients, creating a steady income stream. Lastly, confident negotiation and market awareness lead to better compensation, reflecting the interpreter's value and expertise.

To help interpreters earn more, consider these factors:

  • Specialize in a specific area like legal, medical, or conference interpreting.
  • Invest in continuous professional development through courses and certifications.
  • Build a strong professional network to connect with more opportunities.
  • Market services effectively with a professional website and social media presence.
  • Negotiate higher rates and stay informed about market rates for fair compensation.

Currently 1,004 Interpreter job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Interpreter in the US?

Learn what a Interpreter does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Interpreter today.
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Interpreter
1,004 Job Openings