Media & Communications

Translator Salary

Translators convert written materials between languages, preserving meaning and context.

Median Salary
$57,090
Mean Salary
$62,400
Total Employed
68,200
Job Growth
+4%

Translator Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level translators earn around $35,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $58,000. Senior-level translators can earn $95,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for translators varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $32,000, while the top 10% earn $101,000.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $32,000
25th Percentile $42,000
50th Percentile (Median) $57,090
75th Percentile $78,000
90th Percentile $101,000

Translator Salary by State

Translator salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $97,053, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $47,385.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $97,053 Details →
#2 California $78,784 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $77,072 Details →
#4 Alaska $70,792 Details →
#5 New York $69,650 Details →
#6 New Jersey $65,654 Details →
#7 Washington $65,654 Details →
#8 Connecticut $63,941 Details →
#9 Maryland $62,799 Details →
#10 Oregon $62,799 Details →
#11 Colorado $59,945 Details →
#12 New Hampshire $59,945 Details →
#13 Rhode Island $59,945 Details →
#14 Virginia $59,374 Details →
#15 Delaware $57,661 Details →
#16 Vermont $57,661 Details →
#17 Florida $55,948 Details →
#18 Maine $55,948 Details →
#19 Arizona $55,377 Details →
#20 Minnesota $55,377 Details →
#21 Nevada $55,377 Details →
#22 Utah $55,377 Details →
#23 Pennsylvania $54,806 Details →
#24 Illinois $54,236 Details →
#25 Montana $54,236 Details →
#26 Idaho $53,665 Details →
#27 Georgia $53,094 Details →
#28 New Mexico $53,094 Details →
#29 North Carolina $52,523 Details →
#30 Texas $52,523 Details →
#31 Wisconsin $52,523 Details →
#32 Wyoming $52,523 Details →
#33 Louisiana $51,952 Details →
#34 Indiana $51,381 Details →
#35 Michigan $51,381 Details →
#36 Nebraska $51,381 Details →
#37 North Dakota $51,381 Details →
#38 Ohio $51,381 Details →
#39 Iowa $50,810 Details →
#40 South Carolina $50,810 Details →
#41 Tennessee $50,810 Details →
#42 Missouri $50,239 Details →
#43 South Dakota $50,239 Details →
#44 Alabama $49,668 Details →
#45 Kansas $49,668 Details →
#46 Kentucky $49,668 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $49,097 Details →
#48 Arkansas $47,956 Details →
#49 West Virginia $47,956 Details →
#50 Mississippi $47,385 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Translate documents between languages
  • ● Preserve meaning and tone
  • ● Specialize in technical fields
  • ● Proofread translations
  • ● Use CAT tools

Top Skills

Bilingual Fluency CAT Tools Cultural Knowledge Proofreading Subject Matter Expertise Attention to Detail

Education Required

Bachelor's degree

Job Outlook

As fast as average — projected 4% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Translator Salaries

How much does a Translator make per year? ▼
The median translator salary in the United States is $57,090 per year. Entry-level positions start around $35,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $95,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $62,400.
How much does a Translator make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $57,090 per year, a translator earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for translators? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for translators, with a median salary of $97,053. Other top-paying states include California ($78,784) and Massachusetts ($77,072).
What education do you need to become a translator? ▼
Most translator positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Bilingual Fluency, CAT Tools, Cultural Knowledge, Proofreading. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for translators? ▼
Employment for translators is projected to grow 4% over the next decade, which is as fast as average. There are currently 68,200 translators employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level translator make? ▼
An entry-level translator with 0-2 years of experience earns around $35,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $58,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $32,000, while the top 10% earn $101,000.