Media & Communications Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Interpreter Salary in Houston, Texas

The median interpreter salary in Houston, TX is $54,806 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$54,806
vs State Avg
+$2,283
vs National
$-2,284
Cost of Living
96%

Interpreter Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)

Houston offers a median interpreter salary of $54,806, which is $2,283 above the Texas state average of $52,523. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $30,720 at the 10th percentile to $96,960 at the 90th percentile — a $66,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $91,200. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Interpreter Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level interpreter earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,200 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

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

Interpreter Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Interpreter in Houston

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Houston

Browse open interpreter positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Houston

How much does a Interpreter make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Houston, Texas 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 Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,806, a interpreter in Houston earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Houston's median interpreter salary of $54,806 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $52,523. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $54,806 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Houston? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Houston 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.