Media & Communications Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Interpreter Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median interpreter salary in Tacoma, WA is $62,799 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$62,799
vs State Avg
$-2,855
vs National
+$5,709
Cost of Living
110%

Interpreter Pay in Tacoma: What to Expect (2026)

Tacoma offers a median interpreter salary of $62,799, which is $2,855 below the Washington state average of $65,654. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $111,100 at the 90th percentile — a $75,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,500, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $104,500. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interpreter Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level interpreter earns around $38,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,500
+$3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,800
+$5,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,500
+$9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $35,200
25th Percentile $46,200
Median (50th) $62,799
75th Percentile $85,800
90th Percentile $111,100

Interpreter Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Interpreter in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Interpreter Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open interpreter positions in Tacoma, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Interpreter make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Tacoma, Washington is $62,799 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $111,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,799, a interpreter in Tacoma earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Tacoma's median interpreter salary of $62,799 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $65,654. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $62,799 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Tacoma? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Tacoma 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.