Media & Communications Kansas City, KS Pop. 156,607

Interpreter Salary in Kansas City, Kansas

The median interpreter salary in Kansas City, KS is $50,239 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Kansas state average.

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

Interpreter Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median interpreter salary of $50,239, which is $571 above the Kansas state average of $49,668. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kansas City'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 Kansas City an attractive option for interpreters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for interpreters in Kansas City 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 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interpreter Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, KS

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

Interpreter Salary in Other Kansas Cities

How to Become a Interpreter in Kansas City

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open interpreter positions in Kansas City, KS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Interpreter make in Kansas City, KS? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Kansas City, Kansas 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 Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,239, a interpreter in Kansas City earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Kansas state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Kansas City's median interpreter salary of $50,239 is 1.1% above the Kansas state average of $49,668. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, KS? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $50,239 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Kansas City? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Kansas City 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.