Media & Communications Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Translator Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median translator salary in Los Angeles, CA is $83,351 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$83,351
vs State Avg
+$4,567
vs National
+$26,261
Cost of Living
146%

Translator Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median translator salary of $83,351, which is $4,567 above the California state average of $78,784. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $83,351 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,090. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for translators in Los Angeles spans from $46,720 at the 10th percentile to $147,460 at the 90th percentile — a $100,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,100, while senior translators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $138,700. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Translator Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level translator earns around $51,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,100
+$16,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,680
+$26,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,700
+$43,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $46,720
25th Percentile $61,320
Median (50th) $83,351
75th Percentile $113,880
90th Percentile $147,460

Translator Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$103,904
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$95,911
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$81,068
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$67,366
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Translator in Los Angeles

Education

Most translator positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyCAT ToolsCultural KnowledgeProofreadingSubject Matter ExpertiseAttention to Detail

Job Outlook

Nationally, translator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Translator Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open translator positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Translator Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Translator make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median translator salary in Los Angeles, California is $83,351 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $46,720 (10th percentile) to $147,460 (90th percentile).
How much does a Translator make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,351, a translator in Los Angeles earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for translator pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median translator salary of $83,351 is 5.8% above the California state average of $78,784. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a translator salary of $83,351 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a translator in Los Angeles? ▼
Most translator positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Bilingual Fluency, CAT Tools, Cultural Knowledge, Proofreading. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.