Media & Communications Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Translator Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median translator salary in Durham, NC is $54,236 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$54,236
vs State Avg
+$1,713
vs National
$-2,854
Cost of Living
95%

Translator Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)

Durham offers a median translator salary of $54,236, which is $1,713 above the North Carolina state average of $52,523. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham'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 Durham 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. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Translator Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, 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 Durham, NC

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

Translator Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

How to Become a Translator in Durham

Education

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

Find Translator Jobs in Durham

Browse open translator positions in Durham, NC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Translator Salary in Durham

How much does a Translator make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median translator salary in Durham, North Carolina 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 Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,236, a translator in Durham earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for translator pay? ▼
Durham's median translator salary of $54,236 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $52,523. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a translator salary of $54,236 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a translator in Durham? ▼
Most translator positions in Durham 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.