Media & Communications Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

Interpreter Salary in Pennsylvania

The median interpreter salary in Pennsylvania is $54,806 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$54,806
vs National
$-2,284
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Interpreter Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for interpreter compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for interpreter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $54,806 per year, interpreters in Pennsylvania earn $2,284 less than the national median of $57,090.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning interpreter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: interpreters at the 10th percentile earn $30,720, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $96,960 — a $66,240 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $58,232.

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 Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level interpreter earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,200 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,680
$-2,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,200
$-3,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $30,720
25th Percentile $40,320
Median (50th) $54,806
75th Percentile $74,880
90th Percentile $96,960

Interpreter Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for interpreters in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interpreter in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Interpreter make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Pennsylvania is $54,806 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $30,720 (10th percentile) to $96,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,806, a interpreter in Pennsylvania earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for interpreters? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for interpreter pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level interpreters earn $33,600, while senior professionals earn $91,200.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for interpreter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interpreters is Hawaii at $97,053. Pennsylvania's median of $54,806 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($55,377) and Utah ($55,377).
What is the entry-level interpreter salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level interpreter in Pennsylvania earns approximately $33,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,680. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $91,200.
What city in Pennsylvania pays interpreters the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for interpreters, with a median salary of $58,232. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.