Media & Communications Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Interpreter Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median interpreter salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $50,239 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$50,239
vs State Avg
$-571
vs National
$-6,851
Cost of Living
88%

Interpreter Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median interpreter salary of $50,239, which is $571 below the Iowa state average of $50,810. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $50,239 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,090 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for interpreters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for interpreters in Cedar Rapids spans from $28,160 at the 10th percentile to $88,880 at the 90th percentile — a $60,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interpreter Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level interpreter earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $28,160
25th Percentile $36,960
Median (50th) $50,239
75th Percentile $68,640
90th Percentile $88,880

Interpreter Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$54,236
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$52,523
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$49,097
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$47,956
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Interpreter in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open interpreter positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Interpreter make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $50,239 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $88,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,239, a interpreter in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median interpreter salary of $50,239 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $50,810. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $50,239 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Cedar Rapids 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.