Interpreters and Translators Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $85,590 +44% vs national
Median hourly $41.15
10th percentile $49,960
90th percentile $140,050
Employed locally 2,000
National median $59,440

Compare Interpreters and Translators salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Interpreters and Translators
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $49,960
    25th
    $62,930
    50th (median)
    $85,590
    75th
    $112,710
    90th
    $140,050

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Interpreters and Translators salary vs area income 69% Median Interpreters and Translators salary is 31% 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
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $84,670
    New York $84,650
    New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $83,740

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $95,370
    Editors $80,990
    Graphic Designers $82,360
    Producers and Directors $96,530
    Coaches and Scouts $54,070
    News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $99,730

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Interpreters and Translators in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $41.15, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $65.46 or more per hour.

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

    The median Interpreters and Translators salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 44% 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 Washington?

    Entry-level Interpreters and Translators (10th percentile) earn around $49,960 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $62,930.