Media & Communications Wisconsin (WI) Rank #31 of 50

Interpreter Salary in Wisconsin

The median interpreter salary in Wisconsin is $52,523 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$52,523
vs National
$-4,567
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Interpreter Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for interpreter compensation. Interpreter salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $52,523 per year, interpreters in Wisconsin earn $4,567 less than the national median of $57,090.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $52,523 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,090 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: interpreters at the 10th percentile earn $29,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $92,920 — a $63,480 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $57,090.

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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level interpreter earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $29,440
25th Percentile $38,640
Median (50th) $52,523
75th Percentile $71,760
90th Percentile $92,920

Interpreter Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for interpreters in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interpreter in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Interpreter make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Wisconsin is $52,523 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $29,440 (10th percentile) to $92,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,523, a interpreter in Wisconsin earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for interpreters? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for interpreter pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level interpreters earn $32,200, while senior professionals earn $87,400.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for interpreter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interpreters is Hawaii at $97,053. Wisconsin's median of $52,523 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($52,523) and Texas ($52,523).
What is the entry-level interpreter salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level interpreter in Wisconsin earns approximately $32,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $87,400.
What city in Wisconsin pays interpreters the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for interpreters, with a median salary of $57,090. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.