Interpreters and Translators Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $65,180 +9.7% vs national
Median hourly $31.34
10th percentile $45,190
90th percentile $72,690
Employed locally 150
National median $59,440

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Interpreters and Translators
in
Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $45,190
    25th
    $50,910
    50th (median)
    $65,180
    75th
    $68,030
    90th
    $72,690

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Interpreters and Translators salary vs area income 77% Median Interpreters and Translators salary is 23% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Interpreters and Translators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $98,910
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $96,510
    Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT $85,660
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $85,590
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $84,670
    New York $84,650

    Nearby metros — Interpreters and Translators salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $85,590
    District of Columbia $81,140
    Virginia $74,250
    Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $73,520
    California $73,510
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $73,220

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $68,360
    Coaches and Scouts $34,640
    Graphic Designers $51,100
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $39,300
    Interior Designers $62,390
    Producers and Directors $58,690

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Interpreters and Translators make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Interpreters and Translators in Des Moines, IA is $31.34, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $36.19 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Interpreters and Translators salaries?

    The median Interpreters and Translators salary in Des Moines, IA is 9.7% above the national median of $59,440. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Interpreters and Translators in Des Moines?

    Entry-level Interpreters and Translators (10th percentile) earn around $45,190 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $50,910.