Media & Communications San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Interpreter Salary in San Francisco, California

The median interpreter salary in San Francisco, CA is $103,904 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$103,904
vs State Avg
+$25,120
vs National
+$46,814
Cost of Living
182%

Interpreter Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median interpreter salary of $103,904, which is $25,120 above the California state average of $78,784. Compared to the national median of $57,090, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $103,904 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,090. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interpreters in San Francisco spans from $58,240 at the 10th percentile to $183,820 at the 90th percentile — a $125,580 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,700, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,900. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Interpreter Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level interpreter earns around $63,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,700
+$28,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,560
+$47,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,900
+$77,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $58,240
25th Percentile $76,440
Median (50th) $103,904
75th Percentile $141,960
90th Percentile $183,820

Interpreter Salary in Other California Cities

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
Sacramento, CA
$67,366
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Interpreter in San Francisco

Education

Most interpreter positions require a bachelor's degree. San Francisco 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 San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Interpreter Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open interpreter positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Interpreter make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median interpreter salary in San Francisco, California is $103,904 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $58,240 (10th percentile) to $183,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $103,904, a interpreter in San Francisco earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for interpreter pay? ▼
San Francisco's median interpreter salary of $103,904 is 31.9% above the California state average of $78,784. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $103,904 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in San Francisco? ▼
Most interpreter positions in San Francisco 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.