Media & Communications Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Interpreter Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median interpreter salary in Cambridge, MA is $91,344 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$91,344
vs State Avg
+$14,272
vs National
+$34,254
Cost of Living
160%

Interpreter Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median interpreter salary of $91,344, which is $14,272 above the Massachusetts state average of $77,072. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $91,344 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,090. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interpreters in Cambridge spans from $51,200 at the 10th percentile to $161,600 at the 90th percentile — a $110,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,000, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interpreter Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level interpreter earns around $56,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,000
+$21,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,800
+$34,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,000
+$57,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $51,200
25th Percentile $67,200
Median (50th) $91,344
75th Percentile $124,800
90th Percentile $161,600

Interpreter Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$86,777
Pop. 675,647
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 Cambridge

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open interpreter positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Interpreter make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $91,344 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $51,200 (10th percentile) to $161,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,344, a interpreter in Cambridge earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Cambridge's median interpreter salary of $91,344 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $77,072. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $91,344 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Cambridge? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Cambridge 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.