Interpreters and Translators Salary in New York, NY-NJ

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ

Median annual salary $83,740 +40.9% vs national
Median hourly $40.26
10th percentile $31,590
90th percentile $133,900
Employed locally 3,060
National median $59,440

Compare Interpreters and Translators salary & buying power

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Interpreters and Translators
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    In New York-NJ, interpreters and translators earn a median annual salary of $83,740, which is significantly higher than the national median of $59,440 for this occupation. This earnings level positions them favorably when compared to the area's median household income of $97,334, reflecting their competitive positioning in the local job market. Despite a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.50%, interpreters and translators secure salaries that suggest strong demand for their skills in the region, which may be driven by New York's diverse population and its role as a hub for international business, media, and culture.

    Entry-level interpreters and translators in New York-NJ earn around $31,590 annually, reflecting the 10th percentile of salary distribution, while more experienced professionals at the 75th percentile can expect to make about $105,260 per year. The significant pay gap between these levels is driven by factors such as experience, specialization, language proficiency, and industry demand. For instance, those who work in specialized fields like legal or medical interpreting often command higher salaries due to the expertise required. Furthermore, interpreters with strong skills in high-demand languages can achieve compensation at the 90th percentile, earning up to $133,900 annually. This variance underscores the importance of skill development and market demand in determining earnings within this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $31,590
    25th
    $52,050
    50th (median)
    $83,740
    75th
    $105,260
    90th
    $133,900

    New York economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $97,334 2023 • Census ACS
    Interpreters and Translators salary vs area income 86% Median Interpreters and Translators salary is 14% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Interpreters and Translators make per hour in New York?

    The median hourly wage for Interpreters and Translators in New York, NY-NJ is $40.26, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $64.94 or more per hour.

    Is New York above or below average for Interpreters and Translators salaries?

    The median Interpreters and Translators salary in New York, NY-NJ is 40.9% 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 New York?

    Entry-level Interpreters and Translators (10th percentile) earn around $31,590 per year in New York, NY-NJ. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $52,050.