Media & Communications Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Translator Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median translator salary in Iowa City, IA is $54,236 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$54,236
vs State Avg
+$3,426
vs National
$-2,854
Cost of Living
95%

Translator Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median translator salary of $54,236, which is $3,426 above the Iowa state average of $50,810. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for translators in Iowa City spans from $30,400 at the 10th percentile to $95,950 at the 90th percentile — a $65,550 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,250, while senior translators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,250. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Translator Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level translator earns around $33,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,250
$-1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,100
$-2,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,250
$-4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $30,400
25th Percentile $39,900
Median (50th) $54,236
75th Percentile $74,100
90th Percentile $95,950

Translator Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Translator in Iowa City

Education

Most translator positions require a bachelor's degree. Iowa City and the surrounding Iowa 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 Iowa City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Translator Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open translator positions in Iowa City, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Translator Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Translator make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median translator salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $54,236 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $30,400 (10th percentile) to $95,950 (90th percentile).
How much does a Translator make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,236, a translator in Iowa City earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for translator pay? ▼
Iowa City's median translator salary of $54,236 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $50,810. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a translator salary of $54,236 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a translator in Iowa City? ▼
Most translator positions in Iowa City 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.