Media & Communications Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Interpreter Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median interpreter salary in Arlington, VA is $75,359 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$75,359
vs State Avg
+$15,985
vs National
+$18,269
Cost of Living
132%

Interpreter Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median interpreter salary of $75,359, which is $15,985 above the Virginia state average of $59,374. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $75,359 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,090. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interpreters in Arlington spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $133,320 at the 90th percentile — a $91,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $125,400. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interpreter Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level interpreter earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $125,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,200
+$11,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,560
+$18,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$125,400
+$30,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $75,359
75th Percentile $102,960
90th Percentile $133,320

Interpreter Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Interpreter in Arlington

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Arlington

Browse open interpreter positions in Arlington, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Arlington

How much does a Interpreter make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Arlington, Virginia is $75,359 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $133,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,359, a interpreter in Arlington earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Arlington's median interpreter salary of $75,359 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $59,374. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $75,359 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Arlington? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Arlington 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.