The median annual wage for interpreters and translators was $44,190 in May 2015.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,160, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,520.
In May 2015, the median annual wages for interpreters and translators in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Professional, scientific, and technical services
$49,670
Government
49,660
Educational services; state, local, and private
42,350
Healthcare and social assistance
41,400
Wages depend on the language, specialty, skill, experience, education, and certification of the interpreter or translator, as well as on the type of employer. Wages of interpreters and translators vary widely. Interpreters and translators who know languages that are in high demand or that relatively few people can translate often earn higher wages. Those who perform services requiring a high level of skill, such as conference interpreters, also receive higher pay.
Self-employed interpreters usually charge per hour. Half-day or full-day rates are also common.
Self-employed interpreters and translators often have variable work schedules, which may include periods of limited work and periods of additional, irregular hours. Most interpreters and translators work full time during regular business hours.
Interpreters and Translators
Median annual wages, May 2015
Media and communication workers
$53,530
Interpreters and translators
$44,190
Total, all occupations
$36,200
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics