Media & Communications Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Interpreter Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median interpreter salary in Chesapeake, VA is $55,948 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$55,948
vs State Avg
$-3,426
vs National
$-1,142
Cost of Living
98%

Interpreter Pay in Chesapeake: What to Expect (2026)

Chesapeake offers a median interpreter salary of $55,948, which is $3,426 below the Virginia state average of $59,374. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $31,360 at the 10th percentile to $98,980 at the 90th percentile — a $67,620 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,300, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,100. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interpreter Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level interpreter earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,300
$-700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,840
$-1,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,100
$-1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $31,360
25th Percentile $41,160
Median (50th) $55,948
75th Percentile $76,440
90th Percentile $98,980

Interpreter Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Interpreter in Chesapeake

Education

Most interpreter positions require a bachelor's degree. Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Interpreter Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open interpreter positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Interpreter make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $55,948 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $31,360 (10th percentile) to $98,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,948, a interpreter in Chesapeake earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median interpreter salary of $55,948 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $59,374. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $55,948 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Chesapeake? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Chesapeake 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.