Media & Communications Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Translator Salary in Hawaii

The median translator salary in Hawaii is $97,053 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$97,053
vs National
+$39,963
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Translator Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for translator compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for translators seeking high pay. At $97,053 per year, translators in Hawaii earn $39,963 more than the national median of $57,090.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $97,053 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $57,090.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: translators at the 10th percentile earn $54,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $171,700 — a $117,300 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $99,908.

Nationally, translator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for translators across the country.

Translator Salary in Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level translator earns around $59,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,500 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,500
+$24,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,600
+$40,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$161,500
+$66,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $54,400
25th Percentile $71,400
Median (50th) $97,053
75th Percentile $132,600
90th Percentile $171,700

Translator Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for translators in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Translator in Hawaii

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyCAT ToolsCultural KnowledgeProofreadingSubject Matter ExpertiseAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in Hawaii

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Translator Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Translator make in Hawaii? ▼
The median translator salary in Hawaii is $97,053 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $54,400 (10th percentile) to $171,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Translator make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,053, a translator in Hawaii earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for translators? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for translator pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level translators earn $59,500, while senior professionals earn $161,500.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for translator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for translators is Hawaii at $97,053. Hawaii's median of $97,053 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($78,784) and Massachusetts ($77,072).
What is the entry-level translator salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level translator in Hawaii earns approximately $59,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $98,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $161,500.
What city in Hawaii pays translators the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for translators, with a median salary of $99,908. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.