Media & Communications Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Interpreter Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median interpreter salary in Philadelphia, PA is $58,232 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$58,232
vs State Avg
+$3,426
vs National
+$1,142
Cost of Living
102%

Interpreter Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median interpreter salary of $58,232, which is $3,426 above the Pennsylvania state average of $54,806. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $32,640 at the 10th percentile to $103,020 at the 90th percentile — a $70,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,700, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,900. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Interpreter Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level interpreter earns around $35,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,700
+$700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,160
+$1,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,900
+$1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $32,640
25th Percentile $42,840
Median (50th) $58,232
75th Percentile $79,560
90th Percentile $103,020

Interpreter Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$53,665
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$53,094
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$50,239
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$47,956
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Interpreter in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open interpreter positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Interpreter make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $58,232 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $32,640 (10th percentile) to $103,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,232, a interpreter in Philadelphia earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median interpreter salary of $58,232 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $54,806. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $58,232 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Philadelphia? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Philadelphia 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.