Media & Communications New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Interpreter Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median interpreter salary in New Orleans, LA is $55,948 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$55,948
vs State Avg
+$3,996
vs National
$-1,142
Cost of Living
98%

Interpreter Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median interpreter salary of $55,948, which is $3,996 above the Louisiana state average of $51,952. Compared to the national median of $57,090, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for interpreters in New Orleans spans from $31,360 at the 10th percentile to $98,980 at the 90th percentile — a $67,620 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,300, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,100. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interpreter Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level interpreter earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,300
$-700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,840
$-1,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,100
$-1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $31,360
25th Percentile $41,160
Median (50th) $55,948
75th Percentile $76,440
90th Percentile $98,980

Interpreter Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

How to Become a Interpreter in New Orleans

Education

Most interpreter positions require a bachelor's degree. New Orleans 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 New Orleans may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Interpreter Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open interpreter positions in New Orleans, LA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Interpreter make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median interpreter salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $55,948 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $31,360 (10th percentile) to $98,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,948, a interpreter in New Orleans earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for interpreter pay? ▼
New Orleans's median interpreter salary of $55,948 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $51,952. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $55,948 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in New Orleans? ▼
Most interpreter positions in New Orleans 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.