Media & Communications Kailua, HI Pop. 38,635

Interpreter Salary in Kailua, Hawaii

The median interpreter salary in Kailua, HI is $97,053 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$97,053
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$39,963
Cost of Living
170%

Interpreter Pay in Kailua: What to Expect (2026)

Kailua offers a median interpreter salary of $97,053, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $97,053. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Kailua pays above average for this role.

However, Kailua's cost of living index is 170%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $97,053 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,090. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interpreters in Kailua spans from $54,400 at the 10th percentile to $171,700 at the 90th percentile — a $117,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,500, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $161,500. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Interpreter Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level interpreter earns around $59,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,500
+$24,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,600
+$40,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$161,500
+$66,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kailua, HI

Percentile Kailua
10th Percentile $54,400
25th Percentile $71,400
Median (50th) $97,053
75th Percentile $132,600
90th Percentile $171,700

Interpreter Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

How to Become a Interpreter in Kailua

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Kailua

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Kailua

How much does a Interpreter make in Kailua, HI? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $97,053 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $54,400 (10th percentile) to $171,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Kailua? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,053, a interpreter in Kailua earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kailua compare to the Hawaii state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Kailua's median interpreter salary of $97,053 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $97,053. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kailua, HI? ▼
Kailua has a cost of living index of 170% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $97,053 in Kailua has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Kailua? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Kailua 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.