Media & Communications Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

Translator Salary in Tennessee

The median translator salary in Tennessee is $50,810 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$50,810
vs National
$-6,280
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Translator Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for translator compensation. Translator salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $50,810 per year, translators in Tennessee earn $6,280 less than the national median of $57,090.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $50,810 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,090 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: translators at the 10th percentile earn $28,480, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $89,890 — a $61,410 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $57,090.

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 Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level translator earns around $31,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,550 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,150
$-3,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,620
$-6,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,550
$-10,450 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $28,480
25th Percentile $37,380
Median (50th) $50,810
75th Percentile $69,420
90th Percentile $89,890

Translator Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for translators in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Translator in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyCAT ToolsCultural KnowledgeProofreadingSubject Matter ExpertiseAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in Tennessee

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Translator Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Translator make in Tennessee? ▼
The median translator salary in Tennessee is $50,810 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $28,480 (10th percentile) to $89,890 (90th percentile).
How much does a Translator make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,810, a translator in Tennessee earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for translators? ▼
Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for translator pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level translators earn $31,150, while senior professionals earn $84,550.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for translator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for translators is Hawaii at $97,053. Tennessee's median of $50,810 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($50,810) and South Carolina ($50,810).
What is the entry-level translator salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level translator in Tennessee earns approximately $31,150 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,620. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,550.
What city in Tennessee pays translators the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for translators, with a median salary of $57,090. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.