Media & Communications West Virginia (WV) Rank #49 of 50

Interpreter Salary in West Virginia

The median interpreter salary in West Virginia is $47,956 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$47,956
vs National
$-9,134
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Interpreter Salary Overview in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for interpreter compensation. Interpreter salaries in West Virginia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $47,956 per year, interpreters in West Virginia earn $9,134 less than the national median of $57,090.

A key advantage of working in West Virginia is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $47,956 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,090 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in West Virginia is significant: interpreters at the 10th percentile earn $26,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $84,840 — a $57,960 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in West Virginia for this role is Morgantown, where the median reaches $51,381.

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 West Virginia by Experience

In West Virginia, an entry-level interpreter earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The cost of living index in West Virginia is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,800
$-15,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in West Virginia

Percentile WV Salary
10th Percentile $26,880
25th Percentile $35,280
Median (50th) $47,956
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $84,840

Interpreter Salary by City in West Virginia

The largest employment areas for interpreters in West Virginia include Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Parkersburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interpreter in West Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook in West Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in West Virginia

How much does a Interpreter make in West Virginia? ▼
The median interpreter salary in West Virginia is $47,956 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $26,880 (10th percentile) to $84,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in West Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,956, a interpreter in West Virginia earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is West Virginia a good state for interpreters? ▼
West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for interpreter pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level interpreters earn $29,400, while senior professionals earn $79,800.
How does West Virginia compare to other states for interpreter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interpreters is Hawaii at $97,053. West Virginia's median of $47,956 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($49,097) and Arkansas ($47,956).
What is the entry-level interpreter salary in West Virginia? ▼
An entry-level interpreter in West Virginia earns approximately $29,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $79,800.
What city in West Virginia pays interpreters the most? ▼
Morgantown is the highest paying city in West Virginia for interpreters, with a median salary of $51,381. Other cities include Charleston and Huntington.