Media & Communications Arizona (AZ) Rank #19 of 50

Interpreter Salary in Arizona

The median interpreter salary in Arizona is $55,377 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$55,377
vs National
$-1,713
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Interpreter Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for interpreter compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for interpreter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $55,377 per year, interpreters in Arizona earn $1,713 less than the national median of $57,090.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning interpreter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: interpreters at the 10th percentile earn $31,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $97,970 — a $66,930 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $63,941.

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 Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level interpreter earns around $33,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,150 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,950
$-1,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,260
$-1,740 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,150
$-2,850 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $31,040
25th Percentile $40,740
Median (50th) $55,377
75th Percentile $75,660
90th Percentile $97,970

Interpreter Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for interpreters in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interpreter in Arizona

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook in Arizona

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Arizona

How much does a Interpreter make in Arizona? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Arizona is $55,377 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $31,040 (10th percentile) to $97,970 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,377, a interpreter in Arizona earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for interpreters? ▼
Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for interpreter pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level interpreters earn $33,950, while senior professionals earn $92,150.
How does Arizona compare to other states for interpreter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interpreters is Hawaii at $97,053. Arizona's median of $55,377 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Florida ($55,948) and Maine ($55,948).
What is the entry-level interpreter salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level interpreter in Arizona earns approximately $33,950 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $56,260. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,150.
What city in Arizona pays interpreters the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for interpreters, with a median salary of $63,941. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.