Media & Communications Honolulu, HI Pop. 350,964

Interpreter Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii

The median interpreter salary in Honolulu, HI is $99,908 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$99,908
vs State Avg
+$2,855
vs National
+$42,818
Cost of Living
175%

Interpreter Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median interpreter salary of $99,908, which is $2,855 above the Hawaii state average of $97,053. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Honolulu pays above average for this role.

However, Honolulu's cost of living index is 175%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $99,908 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,090. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interpreters in Honolulu spans from $56,000 at the 10th percentile to $176,750 at the 90th percentile — a $120,750 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,250, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $166,250. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interpreter Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level interpreter earns around $61,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $166,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,250
+$26,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,500
+$43,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$166,250
+$71,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Honolulu, HI

Percentile Honolulu
10th Percentile $56,000
25th Percentile $73,500
Median (50th) $99,908
75th Percentile $136,500
90th Percentile $176,750

Interpreter Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Kailua, HI
$97,053
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$95,911
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$92,486
Pop. 38,216
Hilo, HI
$86,777
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Interpreter in Honolulu

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Honolulu

Browse open interpreter positions in Honolulu, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Interpreter make in Honolulu, HI? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $99,908 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $56,000 (10th percentile) to $176,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Honolulu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $99,908, a interpreter in Honolulu earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Honolulu's median interpreter salary of $99,908 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $97,053. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Honolulu, HI? ▼
Honolulu has a cost of living index of 175% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $99,908 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Honolulu? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Honolulu 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.