Media & Communications Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Interpreter Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median interpreter salary in Boston, MA is $86,777 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$86,777
vs State Avg
+$9,705
vs National
+$29,687
Cost of Living
152%

Interpreter Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median interpreter salary of $86,777, which is $9,705 above the Massachusetts state average of $77,072. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $86,777 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,090. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interpreters in Boston spans from $48,640 at the 10th percentile to $153,520 at the 90th percentile — a $104,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,200, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,400. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Interpreter Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level interpreter earns around $53,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,200
+$18,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,160
+$30,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,400
+$49,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $48,640
25th Percentile $63,840
Median (50th) $86,777
75th Percentile $118,560
90th Percentile $153,520

Interpreter Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$91,344
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$62,799
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$59,945
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$55,948
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Interpreter in Boston

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Boston

Browse open interpreter positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Boston

How much does a Interpreter make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $86,777 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $48,640 (10th percentile) to $153,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,777, a interpreter in Boston earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Boston's median interpreter salary of $86,777 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $77,072. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $86,777 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Boston? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Boston 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.