Interpreters and Translators Salary in Illinois
Interpreters and Translators in Illinois make a median of $53,870 a year, or about $25.9 an hour. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $94K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Illinois. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $54K get you in Illinois?
About interpreters and translators
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Illinois
Entry-level interpreters and translators (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $54K. Top earners bring in $94K or more, a $57K spread from bottom to top.
Interpreters and Translators salary by metro in Illinois
4 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $59K | +9% | 1,440 |
| Springfield | $52K | -4% | 40 |
| Rockford | $47K | -12% | 50 |
| Peoria | $44K | -19% | 30 |
Compare to other states
Track interpreters and translators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Illinois numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do interpreters and translators make in Illinois?
The median is $53,870 a year, that works out to about $26 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,120, and experienced interpreters and translators can clear $93,600. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $54K enough to live in Illinois?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,555/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,407/month, which eats 39.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a interpreters and translators salary go in Illinois?
Illinois has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median interpreters and translators salary is worth about $57,400 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do interpreters and translators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.