Media & Communications Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

Translator Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median translator salary in Sioux City, IA is $47,956 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$47,956
vs State Avg
$-2,854
vs National
$-9,134
Cost of Living
84%

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

Sioux City offers a median translator salary of $47,956, which is $2,854 below the Iowa state average of $50,810. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $47,956 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,090 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for translators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for translators in Sioux City spans from $26,880 at the 10th percentile to $84,840 at the 90th percentile — a $57,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior translators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,800. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Translator Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level translator earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,800
$-15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $26,880
25th Percentile $35,280
Median (50th) $47,956
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $84,840

Translator Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$54,236
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$52,523
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$50,239
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$49,097
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a Translator in Sioux City

Education

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

Find Translator Jobs in Sioux City

Browse open translator positions in Sioux City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Translator Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Translator make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median translator salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $47,956 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $26,880 (10th percentile) to $84,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Translator make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,956, a translator in Sioux City earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for translator pay? ▼
Sioux City's median translator salary of $47,956 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $50,810. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a translator salary of $47,956 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a translator in Sioux City? ▼
Most translator positions in Sioux 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.