Interpreter Salary in Rochester, NY: $51,381 (2026)

Interpreter Pay in Rochester: What to Expect (2026)

Rochester offers a median interpreter salary of $51,381, which is $18,269 below the New York state average of $69,650. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 90% 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 Rochester spans from $28,800 at the 10th percentile to $90,900 at the 90th percentile — a $62,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interpreter Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level interpreter earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$31,500

$-3,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$52,200

$-5,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$85,500

$-9,500 vs national

Percentile	Rochester	NY State	National
10th Percentile	$28,800	$39,040	$32,000
25th Percentile	$37,800	$51,240	$42,000
Median (50th)	$51,381	$69,650	$57,090
75th Percentile	$70,200	$95,160	$78,000
90th Percentile	$90,900	$123,220	$101,000

Percentile

Rochester

10th Percentile

$28,800

25th Percentile

$37,800

Median (50th)

$51,381

75th Percentile

$70,200

90th Percentile

$90,900

How to Become a Interpreter in Rochester

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Rochester

How much does a Interpreter make in Rochester, NY? ▼

The median interpreter salary in Rochester, New York is $51,381 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $90,900 (90th percentile).

How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Rochester? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $51,381, a interpreter in Rochester earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for interpreter pay? ▼

Rochester's median interpreter salary of $51,381 is 26.2% below the New York state average of $69,650. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Rochester, NY? ▼

Rochester has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $51,381 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Rochester? ▼

Most interpreter positions in Rochester 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.

Interpreter Salary in Rochester, New York