Media & Communications Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Interpreter Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median interpreter salary in Lafayette, LA is $50,239 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$50,239
vs State Avg
$-1,713
vs National
$-6,851
Cost of Living
88%

Interpreter Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median interpreter salary of $50,239, which is $1,713 below the Louisiana state average of $51,952. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for interpreters in Lafayette 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 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interpreter Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, LA

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

Interpreter Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$55,948
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$52,523
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$49,097
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$48,527
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Interpreter in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open interpreter positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Interpreter make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,239, a interpreter in Lafayette earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Lafayette's median interpreter salary of $50,239 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $51,952. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $50,239 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Lafayette? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Lafayette 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.