Media & Communications Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Translator Salary in Virginia

The median translator salary in Virginia is $59,374 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$59,374
vs National
+$2,284
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Translator Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for translator compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for translator pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $59,374 per year, translators in Virginia earn $2,284 more than the national median of $57,090.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning translator salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: translators at the 10th percentile earn $33,280, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $105,040 — a $71,760 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $75,359.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level translator earns around $36,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,800 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,400
+$1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,320
+$2,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,800
+$3,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $33,280
25th Percentile $43,680
Median (50th) $59,374
75th Percentile $81,120
90th Percentile $105,040

Translator Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for translators in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Translator in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyCAT ToolsCultural KnowledgeProofreadingSubject Matter ExpertiseAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Translator Salary in Virginia

How much does a Translator make in Virginia? ▼
The median translator salary in Virginia is $59,374 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $33,280 (10th percentile) to $105,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Translator make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,374, a translator in Virginia earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for translators? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for translator pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level translators earn $36,400, while senior professionals earn $98,800.
How does Virginia compare to other states for translator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for translators is Hawaii at $97,053. Virginia's median of $59,374 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($59,945) and Rhode Island ($59,945).
What is the entry-level translator salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level translator in Virginia earns approximately $36,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $98,800.
What city in Virginia pays translators the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for translators, with a median salary of $75,359. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.