Media & Communications Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Translator Salary in Missouri

The median translator salary in Missouri is $50,239 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$50,239
vs National
$-6,851
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Translator Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for translator compensation. Translator salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $50,239 per year, translators in Missouri earn $6,851 less than the national median of $57,090.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $50,239 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,090 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: translators at the 10th percentile earn $28,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,880 — a $60,720 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $52,523.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level translator earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $28,160
25th Percentile $36,960
Median (50th) $50,239
75th Percentile $68,640
90th Percentile $88,880

Translator Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for translators in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Translator in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyCAT ToolsCultural KnowledgeProofreadingSubject Matter ExpertiseAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Translator Salary in Missouri

How much does a Translator make in Missouri? ▼
The median translator salary in Missouri is $50,239 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $88,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Translator make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,239, a translator in Missouri earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for translators? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for translator pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level translators earn $30,800, while senior professionals earn $83,600.
How does Missouri compare to other states for translator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for translators is Hawaii at $97,053. Missouri's median of $50,239 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($50,810) and Tennessee ($50,810).
What is the entry-level translator salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level translator in Missouri earns approximately $30,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $83,600.
What city in Missouri pays translators the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for translators, with a median salary of $52,523. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.