Media & Communications Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Interpreter Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median interpreter salary in Chicago, IL is $61,086 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$61,086
vs State Avg
+$6,850
vs National
+$3,996
Cost of Living
107%

Interpreter Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level interpreter earns around $37,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,450
+$2,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,060
+$4,060 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,650
+$6,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $34,240
25th Percentile $44,940
Median (50th) $61,086
75th Percentile $83,460
90th Percentile $108,070

Interpreter Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$61,657
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$54,236
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$48,527
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$46,814
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Interpreter in Chicago

Education

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