Media & Communications Kansas (KS) Rank #45 of 50

Interpreter Salary in Kansas

The median interpreter salary in Kansas is $49,668 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$49,668
vs National
$-7,422
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Interpreter Salary Overview in Kansas (2026)

Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for interpreter compensation. Interpreter salaries in Kansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $49,668 per year, interpreters in Kansas earn $7,422 less than the national median of $57,090.

A key advantage of working in Kansas is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $49,668 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,090 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kansas is significant: interpreters at the 10th percentile earn $27,840, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $87,870 — a $60,030 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kansas for this role is Overland Park, where the median reaches $54,806.

Nationally, interpreter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for interpreters across the country.

Interpreter Salary in Kansas by Experience

In Kansas, an entry-level interpreter earns around $30,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,650 per year. The cost of living index in Kansas is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,450
$-4,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,460
$-7,540 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,650
$-12,350 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kansas

Percentile KS Salary
10th Percentile $27,840
25th Percentile $36,540
Median (50th) $49,668
75th Percentile $67,860
90th Percentile $87,870

Interpreter Salary by City in Kansas

The largest employment areas for interpreters in Kansas include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interpreter in Kansas

Education

Most interpreter positions require a bachelor's degree. Kansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook in Kansas

Nationally, interpreter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Kansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Kansas

How much does a Interpreter make in Kansas? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Kansas is $49,668 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $27,840 (10th percentile) to $87,870 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Kansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,668, a interpreter in Kansas earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kansas a good state for interpreters? ▼
Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for interpreter pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level interpreters earn $30,450, while senior professionals earn $82,650.
How does Kansas compare to other states for interpreter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interpreters is Hawaii at $97,053. Kansas's median of $49,668 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Dakota ($50,239) and Alabama ($49,668).
What is the entry-level interpreter salary in Kansas? ▼
An entry-level interpreter in Kansas earns approximately $30,450 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $50,460. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $82,650.
What city in Kansas pays interpreters the most? ▼
Overland Park is the highest paying city in Kansas for interpreters, with a median salary of $54,806. Other cities include Wichita and Kansas City.