Media & Communications Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Interpreter Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median interpreter salary in Buffalo, NY is $52,523 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 24.6% below the New York state average.

City Median
$52,523
vs State Avg
$-17,127
vs National
$-4,567
Cost of Living
92%

Interpreter Pay in Buffalo: What to Expect (2026)

Buffalo offers a median interpreter salary of $52,523, which is $17,127 below the New York state average of $69,650. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Buffalo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Buffalo's cost of living is 92% 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 Buffalo spans from $29,440 at the 10th percentile to $92,920 at the 90th percentile — a $63,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,200, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interpreter Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level interpreter earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $29,440
25th Percentile $38,640
Median (50th) $52,523
75th Percentile $71,760
90th Percentile $92,920

Interpreter Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Interpreter in Buffalo

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open interpreter positions in Buffalo, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Interpreter make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Buffalo, New York is $52,523 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $29,440 (10th percentile) to $92,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,523, a interpreter in Buffalo earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Buffalo's median interpreter salary of $52,523 is 24.6% below the New York state average of $69,650. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $52,523 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Buffalo? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Buffalo 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.