Interpreter Salary in Portland, OR: $67,366 (2026)

Interpreter Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median interpreter salary of $67,366, which is $4,567 above the Oregon state average of $62,799. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $67,366 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,090. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interpreters in Portland spans from $37,760 at the 10th percentile to $119,180 at the 90th percentile — a $81,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,300, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,100. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Interpreter Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level interpreter earns around $41,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,300

+$6,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$68,440

+$10,440 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$112,100

+$17,100 vs national

Percentile	Portland	OR State	National
10th Percentile	$37,760	$35,200	$32,000
25th Percentile	$49,560	$46,200	$42,000
Median (50th)	$67,366	$62,799	$57,090
75th Percentile	$92,040	$85,800	$78,000
90th Percentile	$119,180	$111,100	$101,000

Percentile

Portland

10th Percentile

$37,760

25th Percentile

$49,560

Median (50th)

$67,366

75th Percentile

$92,040

90th Percentile

$119,180

How to Become a Interpreter in Portland

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Portland

How much does a Interpreter make in Portland, OR? ▼

The median interpreter salary in Portland, Oregon is $67,366 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $37,760 (10th percentile) to $119,180 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $67,366, a interpreter in Portland earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for interpreter pay? ▼

Portland's median interpreter salary of $67,366 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $62,799. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼

Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $67,366 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most interpreter positions in Portland 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 Portland, Oregon