Interpreter Salary in Owensboro, KY: $46,814 (2026)

Interpreter Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median interpreter salary of $46,814, which is $2,854 below the Kentucky state average of $49,668. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $46,814 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,090 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for interpreters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for interpreters in Owensboro spans from $26,240 at the 10th percentile to $82,820 at the 90th percentile — a $56,580 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Interpreter Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level interpreter earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,700

$-6,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$47,560

$-10,440 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,900

$-17,100 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$26,240	$27,840	$32,000
25th Percentile	$34,440	$36,540	$42,000
Median (50th)	$46,814	$49,668	$57,090
75th Percentile	$63,960	$67,860	$78,000
90th Percentile	$82,820	$87,870	$101,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$26,240

25th Percentile

$34,440

Median (50th)

$46,814

75th Percentile

$63,960

90th Percentile

$82,820

How to Become a Interpreter in Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Interpreter make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median interpreter salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $46,814 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $26,240 (10th percentile) to $82,820 (90th percentile).

How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $46,814, a interpreter in Owensboro earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for interpreter pay? ▼

Owensboro's median interpreter salary of $46,814 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $49,668. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $46,814 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Owensboro? ▼

Most interpreter positions in Owensboro 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.

Interpreter Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky