Media & Communications Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Interpreter Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median interpreter salary in Albuquerque, NM is $54,236 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$54,236
vs State Avg
+$1,142
vs National
$-2,854
Cost of Living
95%

Interpreter Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median interpreter salary of $54,236, which is $1,142 above the New Mexico state average of $53,094. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for interpreters in Albuquerque spans from $30,400 at the 10th percentile to $95,950 at the 90th percentile — a $65,550 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,250, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,250. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Interpreter Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level interpreter earns around $33,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,250
$-1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,100
$-2,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,250
$-4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $30,400
25th Percentile $39,900
Median (50th) $54,236
75th Percentile $74,100
90th Percentile $95,950

Interpreter Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$62,799
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$52,523
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$50,239
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$46,814
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Interpreter in Albuquerque

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open interpreter positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Interpreter make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $54,236 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $30,400 (10th percentile) to $95,950 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,236, a interpreter in Albuquerque earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median interpreter salary of $54,236 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $53,094. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $54,236 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Albuquerque? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Albuquerque 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.