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Arts & Media

Interpreters and Translators Salary in Washington

Interpreters and Translators in Washington make a median of $69,620 a year, or about $33.47 an hour. The range runs from $47K at the entry level to $100K for experienced workers.

AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)

$70K
Median annual
$33.47/hr
Hourly rate
$47K
Entry level (10th %)
$100K
Senior level (90th %)

So what does $70K get you in Washington?

Take-home$4,780/mo
2BR rent (est.)-$1,550/mo
Rent burden32.4% (above 30%)
COL-adjusted salary$69,620/yr
After rent$3,230/mo
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About interpreters and translators

U.S. employed: 1,620
Category: Arts & Media
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Compensation breakdown

Annual earnings by percentile, Washington

Bar chart showing Interpreters and Translators salary percentiles in Washington: 10th percentile $46,640, 25th percentile $50,060, median $69,620, 75th percentile $98,550, 90th percentile $99,650. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.10th$47K25th$50KMedian$70K75th$99K90th$100K
Bar chart showing Interpreters and Translators salary percentiles in Washington: 10th percentile $46,640, 25th percentile $50,060, median $69,620, 75th percentile $98,550, 90th percentile $99,650. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry-level interpreters and translators (10th percentile) start around $47K. Mid-career wages sit at $70K.Top earners bring in $100K or more - a $53K spread from bottom to top.

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Interpreters and Translators pay across states

Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure

StateMedian salaryvs. nationalEmployment
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 Washington numbers change.

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Frequently asked questions

How much do interpreters and translators make in Washington?

The median is $69,620 a year - that works out to about $33.47 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $46,640, and experienced interpreters and translators can clear $99,650. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.

Is $70K enough to live in Washington?

On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,780/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,550/month (median of metro areas), which eats 32.4% 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 Washington?

Washington 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 $69,620 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.

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