Media & Communications Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Interpreter Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median interpreter salary in Tucson, AZ is $53,094 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$53,094
vs State Avg
$-2,283
vs National
$-3,996
Cost of Living
93%

Interpreter Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median interpreter salary of $53,094, which is $2,283 below the Arizona state average of $55,377. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for interpreters in Tucson spans from $29,760 at the 10th percentile to $93,930 at the 90th percentile — a $64,170 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,550, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,350. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Interpreter Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level interpreter earns around $32,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,550
$-2,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,940
$-4,060 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,350
$-6,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $29,760
25th Percentile $39,060
Median (50th) $53,094
75th Percentile $72,540
90th Percentile $93,930

Interpreter Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Interpreter in Tucson

Education

Most interpreter positions require a bachelor's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona 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 Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Interpreter Jobs in Tucson

Browse open interpreter positions in Tucson, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Tucson

How much does a Interpreter make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Tucson, Arizona is $53,094 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $29,760 (10th percentile) to $93,930 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,094, a interpreter in Tucson earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Tucson's median interpreter salary of $53,094 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $55,377. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $53,094 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Tucson? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Tucson 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.