Interpreters and Translators Salary in Iowa
Interpreters and Translators in Iowa make a median of $50,110 a year, or about $24.09 an hour. The range runs from $39K at the entry level to $68K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Iowa. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $50K get you in Iowa?
About interpreters and translators
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa
Entry-level interpreters and translators (10th percentile) start around $39K. Mid-career wages sit at $50K. Top earners bring in $68K or more, a $29K spread from bottom to top.
Interpreters and Translators salary by metro in Iowa
4 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $65K | +30% | 150 |
| Cedar Rapids | $64K | +28% | 30 |
| Sioux City | $49K | -2% | 80 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $45K | -11% | 70 |
Compare to other states
Track interpreters and translators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Iowa numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do interpreters and translators make in Iowa?
The median is $50,110 a year, that works out to about $24 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $39,330, and experienced interpreters and translators can clear $68,030. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $50K enough to live in Iowa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,323/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,064/month, which eats 32% 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 Iowa?
Iowa 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 $56,392 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.