Media & Communications North Dakota (ND) Rank #37 of 50

Interpreter Salary in North Dakota

The median interpreter salary in North Dakota is $51,381 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$51,381
vs National
$-5,709
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Interpreter Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for interpreter compensation. Interpreter salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,381 per year, interpreters in North Dakota earn $5,709 less than the national median of $57,090.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $51,381 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,090 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: interpreters at the 10th percentile earn $28,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $90,900 — a $62,100 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $53,665.

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 North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level interpreter earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota 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

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $37,800
Median (50th) $51,381
75th Percentile $70,200
90th Percentile $90,900

Interpreter Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for interpreters in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interpreter in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Interpreter make in North Dakota? ▼
The median interpreter salary in North Dakota 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 North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,381, a interpreter in North Dakota earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for interpreters? ▼
North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for interpreter pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level interpreters earn $31,500, while senior professionals earn $85,500.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for interpreter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interpreters is Hawaii at $97,053. North Dakota's median of $51,381 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($51,381) and Nebraska ($51,381).
What is the entry-level interpreter salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level interpreter in North Dakota earns approximately $31,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $85,500.
What city in North Dakota pays interpreters the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for interpreters, with a median salary of $53,665. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.