Interpreters and Translators Salary in Seattle, WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Median annual salary $75,730 +27.4% vs national
Median hourly $36.41
10th percentile $47,290
90th percentile $99,650
Employed locally 1,120
National median $59,440

Compare Interpreters and Translators salary & buying power

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Interpreters and Translators
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Seattle, WA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $47,290
    25th
    $59,710
    50th (median)
    $75,730
    75th
    $99,650
    90th
    $99,650

    Seattle economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $112,594 2023 • Census ACS
    Interpreters and Translators salary vs area income 67% Median Interpreters and Translators salary is 33% 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
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $98,910
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $85,590
    New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $83,740
    Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL $81,600
    Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY $73,080
    Washington $69,620

    Related occupations in Seattle, WA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $48,010
    Public Relations Specialists $92,060
    Graphic Designers $82,630
    Special Effects Artists and Animators $142,690
    Editors $87,330
    Producers and Directors $81,030

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Interpreters and Translators make per hour in Seattle?

    The median hourly wage for Interpreters and Translators in Seattle, WA is $36.41, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $50.13 or more per hour.

    Is Seattle above or below average for Interpreters and Translators salaries?

    The median Interpreters and Translators salary in Seattle, WA is 27.4% 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 Seattle?

    Entry-level Interpreters and Translators (10th percentile) earn around $47,290 per year in Seattle, WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $59,710.