Interpreters and Translators Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Interpreters and Translators in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA make a median of $96,510 a year, or about $46.4 an hour. The range runs from $58K at the entry level to $117K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $87,403 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 57.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $97K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About interpreters and translators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level interpreters and translators (10th percentile) start around $58K. Mid-career wages sit at $97K.Top earners bring in $117K or more - a $60K spread from bottom to top.
Interpreters and Translators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $85K | +42% | 3,650 |
| District of Columbia | $81K | +37% | 160 |
| Maryland | $78K | +32% | 870 |
| Virginia | $74K | +25% | 2,610 |
| California | $74K | +24% | 6,710 |
| Washington | $70K | +17% | 1,620 |
| Utah | $66K | +11% | 690 |
| Massachusetts | $65K | +10% | 2,250 |
| West Virginia | $64K | +7% | 60 |
| Minnesota | $63K | +7% | 1,060 |
| Georgia | $62K | +4% | 1,730 |
| Oregon | $62K | +3% | 1,220 |
| Wisconsin | $61K | +3% | 1,190 |
| Vermont | $60K | +1% | 80 |
| Alaska | $59K | -0% | 100 |
Track interpreters and translators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do interpreters and translators make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $96,510 a year - that works out to about $46.4 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $57,830, and experienced interpreters and translators can clear $117,330. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $97K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,931/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 58.7% 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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median interpreters and translators salary is worth about $87,403 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.