Media & Communications Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Interpreter Salary in Arkansas

The median interpreter salary in Arkansas is $47,956 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$47,956
vs National
$-9,134
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Interpreter Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for interpreter compensation. Interpreter salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $47,956 per year, interpreters in Arkansas earn $9,134 less than the national median of $57,090.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $47,956 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,090 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: interpreters at the 10th percentile earn $26,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $84,840 — a $57,960 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $50,239.

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 Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level interpreter earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,800
$-15,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $26,880
25th Percentile $35,280
Median (50th) $47,956
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $84,840

Interpreter Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for interpreters in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interpreter in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook in Arkansas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Interpreter make in Arkansas? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Arkansas is $47,956 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $26,880 (10th percentile) to $84,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,956, a interpreter in Arkansas earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for interpreters? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for interpreter pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level interpreters earn $29,400, while senior professionals earn $79,800.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for interpreter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interpreters is Hawaii at $97,053. Arkansas's median of $47,956 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($49,668) and Oklahoma ($49,097).
What is the entry-level interpreter salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level interpreter in Arkansas earns approximately $29,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $79,800.
What city in Arkansas pays interpreters the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for interpreters, with a median salary of $50,239. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.