Media & Communications Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Interpreter Salary in Sacramento, California

The median interpreter salary in Sacramento, CA is $67,366 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$67,366
vs State Avg
$-11,418
vs National
+$10,276
Cost of Living
118%

Interpreter Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median interpreter salary of $67,366, which is $11,418 below the California state average of $78,784. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $67,366 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,090. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interpreters in Sacramento spans from $37,760 at the 10th percentile to $119,180 at the 90th percentile — a $81,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,300, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,100. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Interpreter Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level interpreter earns around $41,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,300
+$6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,440
+$10,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,100
+$17,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $37,760
25th Percentile $49,560
Median (50th) $67,366
75th Percentile $92,040
90th Percentile $119,180

Interpreter Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$103,904
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$95,911
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$83,351
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$81,068
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Interpreter in Sacramento

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open interpreter positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Interpreter make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Sacramento, California is $67,366 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $37,760 (10th percentile) to $119,180 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,366, a interpreter in Sacramento earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Sacramento's median interpreter salary of $67,366 is 14.5% below the California state average of $78,784. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $67,366 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Sacramento? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Sacramento 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.