Media & Communications Anchorage, AK Pop. 291,247

Interpreter Salary in Anchorage, Alaska

The median interpreter salary in Anchorage, AK is $71,933 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 1.6% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$71,933
vs State Avg
+$1,141
vs National
+$14,843
Cost of Living
126%

Interpreter Pay in Anchorage: What to Expect (2026)

Anchorage offers a median interpreter salary of $71,933, which is $1,141 above the Alaska state average of $70,792. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Anchorage pays above average for this role.

However, Anchorage's cost of living index is 126%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $71,933 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,090. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Anchorage should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interpreters in Anchorage spans from $40,320 at the 10th percentile to $127,260 at the 90th percentile — a $86,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,100, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $119,700. With a population of 291,247, Anchorage is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interpreter Salary in Anchorage by Experience

In Anchorage, an entry-level interpreter earns around $44,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,100
+$9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,080
+$15,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,700
+$24,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Anchorage, AK

Percentile Anchorage
10th Percentile $40,320
25th Percentile $52,920
Median (50th) $71,933
75th Percentile $98,280
90th Percentile $127,260

Interpreter Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$77,072
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$75,359
Pop. 8,458
Fairbanks, AK
$74,217
Pop. 32,325
Wasilla, AK
$67,366
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Interpreter in Anchorage

Education

Most interpreter positions require a bachelor's degree. Anchorage and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook

Nationally, interpreter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Anchorage may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Interpreter Jobs in Anchorage

Browse open interpreter positions in Anchorage, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Anchorage

How much does a Interpreter make in Anchorage, AK? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Anchorage, Alaska is $71,933 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $127,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Anchorage? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,933, a interpreter in Anchorage earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Anchorage compare to the Alaska state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Anchorage's median interpreter salary of $71,933 is 1.6% above the Alaska state average of $70,792. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Anchorage, AK? ▼
Anchorage has a cost of living index of 126% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $71,933 in Anchorage has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Anchorage? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Anchorage require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Bilingual Fluency, Consecutive Interpreting, Simultaneous Interpreting, Cultural Competency. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.