Media & Communications Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Interpreter Salary in Missouri

The median interpreter salary in Missouri is $50,239 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$50,239
vs National
$-6,851
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Interpreter Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for interpreter compensation. Interpreter salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $50,239 per year, interpreters in Missouri earn $6,851 less than the national median of $57,090.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $50,239 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,090 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: interpreters at the 10th percentile earn $28,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,880 — a $60,720 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $52,523.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level interpreter earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri 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

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

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

Interpreter Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for interpreters in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interpreter in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Missouri

How much does a Interpreter make in Missouri? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Missouri 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 Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,239, a interpreter in Missouri earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for interpreters? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for interpreter pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level interpreters earn $30,800, while senior professionals earn $83,600.
How does Missouri compare to other states for interpreter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interpreters is Hawaii at $97,053. Missouri's median of $50,239 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($50,810) and Tennessee ($50,810).
What is the entry-level interpreter salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level interpreter in Missouri earns approximately $30,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $83,600.
What city in Missouri pays interpreters the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for interpreters, with a median salary of $52,523. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.