Media & Communications New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Interpreter Salary in New Jersey

The median interpreter salary in New Jersey is $65,654 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$65,654
vs National
+$8,564
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Interpreter Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for interpreter compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for interpreters seeking high pay. At $65,654 per year, interpreters in New Jersey earn $8,564 more than the national median of $57,090.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $65,654 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $57,090.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: interpreters at the 10th percentile earn $36,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $116,150 — a $79,350 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $73,075.

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 New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level interpreter earns around $40,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,250 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,250
+$5,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,700
+$8,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,250
+$14,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $36,800
25th Percentile $48,300
Median (50th) $65,654
75th Percentile $89,700
90th Percentile $116,150

Interpreter Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for interpreters in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interpreter in New Jersey

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook in New Jersey

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Interpreter make in New Jersey? ▼
The median interpreter salary in New Jersey is $65,654 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $36,800 (10th percentile) to $116,150 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,654, a interpreter in New Jersey earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for interpreters? ▼
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for interpreter pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level interpreters earn $40,250, while senior professionals earn $109,250.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for interpreter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interpreters is Hawaii at $97,053. New Jersey's median of $65,654 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($70,792) and New York ($69,650).
What is the entry-level interpreter salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level interpreter in New Jersey earns approximately $40,250 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $66,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $109,250.
What city in New Jersey pays interpreters the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for interpreters, with a median salary of $73,075. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.