Media & Communications Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Translator Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median translator salary in Philadelphia, PA is $58,232 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$58,232
vs State Avg
+$3,426
vs National
+$1,142
Cost of Living
102%

Translator Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median translator salary of $58,232, which is $3,426 above the Pennsylvania state average of $54,806. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $32,640 at the 10th percentile to $103,020 at the 90th percentile — a $70,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,700, while senior translators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,900. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Translator Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level translator earns around $35,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,700
+$700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,160
+$1,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,900
+$1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $32,640
25th Percentile $42,840
Median (50th) $58,232
75th Percentile $79,560
90th Percentile $103,020

Translator Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$53,665
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$53,094
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$50,239
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$47,956
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Translator in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Translator Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open translator positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Translator Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Translator make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median translator salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $58,232 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $32,640 (10th percentile) to $103,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Translator make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,232, a translator in Philadelphia earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for translator pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median translator salary of $58,232 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $54,806. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a translator salary of $58,232 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a translator in Philadelphia? ▼
Most translator positions in Philadelphia 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.