Media & Communications Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Interpreter Salary in Alaska

The median interpreter salary in Alaska is $70,792 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$70,792
vs National
+$13,702
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Interpreter Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for interpreter compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for interpreters seeking high pay. At $70,792 per year, interpreters in Alaska earn $13,702 more than the national median of $57,090.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $70,792 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $57,090.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: interpreters at the 10th percentile earn $39,680, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $125,240 — a $85,560 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $77,072.

Nationally, interpreter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for interpreters across the country.

Interpreter Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level interpreter earns around $43,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,800 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,400
+$8,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,920
+$13,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,800
+$22,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $39,680
25th Percentile $52,080
Median (50th) $70,792
75th Percentile $96,720
90th Percentile $125,240

Interpreter Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for interpreters in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interpreter in Alaska

Education

Most interpreter positions require a bachelor's degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, interpreter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Alaska

How much does a Interpreter make in Alaska? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Alaska is $70,792 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $39,680 (10th percentile) to $125,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,792, a interpreter in Alaska earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for interpreters? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for interpreter pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level interpreters earn $43,400, while senior professionals earn $117,800.
How does Alaska compare to other states for interpreter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interpreters is Hawaii at $97,053. Alaska's median of $70,792 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($78,784) and Massachusetts ($77,072).
What is the entry-level interpreter salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level interpreter in Alaska earns approximately $43,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $71,920. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $117,800.
What city in Alaska pays interpreters the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for interpreters, with a median salary of $77,072. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.