Media & Communications Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

Interpreter Salary in Massachusetts

The median interpreter salary in Massachusetts is $77,072 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$77,072
vs National
+$19,982
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Interpreter Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for interpreter compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for interpreters seeking high pay. At $77,072 per year, interpreters in Massachusetts earn $19,982 more than the national median of $57,090.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $77,072 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $57,090.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: interpreters at the 10th percentile earn $43,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $136,350 — a $93,150 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $91,344.

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 Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level interpreter earns around $47,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,250 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,250
+$12,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,300
+$20,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,250
+$33,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $56,700
Median (50th) $77,072
75th Percentile $105,300
90th Percentile $136,350

Interpreter Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for interpreters in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interpreter in Massachusetts

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Interpreter make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Massachusetts is $77,072 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $136,350 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,072, a interpreter in Massachusetts earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for interpreters? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for interpreter pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level interpreters earn $47,250, while senior professionals earn $128,250.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for interpreter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interpreters is Hawaii at $97,053. Massachusetts's median of $77,072 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($97,053) and California ($78,784).
What is the entry-level interpreter salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level interpreter in Massachusetts earns approximately $47,250 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $78,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $128,250.
What city in Massachusetts pays interpreters the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for interpreters, with a median salary of $91,344. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.