Media & Communications South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Interpreter Salary in South Carolina

The median interpreter salary in South Carolina is $50,810 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$50,810
vs National
$-6,280
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Interpreter Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for interpreter compensation. Interpreter salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $50,810 per year, interpreters in South Carolina earn $6,280 less than the national median of $57,090.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $50,810 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,090 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: interpreters at the 10th percentile earn $28,480, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $89,890 — a $61,410 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $59,945.

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 South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level interpreter earns around $31,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,550 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,150
$-3,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,620
$-6,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,550
$-10,450 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $28,480
25th Percentile $37,380
Median (50th) $50,810
75th Percentile $69,420
90th Percentile $89,890

Interpreter Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for interpreters in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interpreter in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook in South Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Interpreter make in South Carolina? ▼
The median interpreter salary in South Carolina is $50,810 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $28,480 (10th percentile) to $89,890 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,810, a interpreter in South Carolina earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for interpreters? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for interpreter pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level interpreters earn $31,150, while senior professionals earn $84,550.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for interpreter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interpreters is Hawaii at $97,053. South Carolina's median of $50,810 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($51,381) and Iowa ($50,810).
What is the entry-level interpreter salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level interpreter in South Carolina earns approximately $31,150 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,620. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,550.
What city in South Carolina pays interpreters the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for interpreters, with a median salary of $59,945. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.