Interpreters and Translators salary in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
Interpreters and Translators in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area earn a median of $47,940 a year ($23.05 an hour), based on BLS data for 150 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $86,160 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $60,170. Pay here is 43% lower than the New York statewide median of $84,090. There are 0.28 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $54,910, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,930 | $23.04 |
| 25th percentile | $47,940 | $23.05 |
| Median | $47,940 | $23.05 |
| 75th percentile | $53,180 | $25.57 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $86,160 | $41.42 |
| Average (mean) | $54,910 | $26.40 |
Half of interpreters and translators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,995 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,997.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,843.85 |
| Weekly | $921.92 |
| Hourly | $23.05 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Interpreters and Translators salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $87,590 | 2,520 |
| Rochester, NY | $77,770 | 450 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $69,470 | 150 |
Highest-paying states for interpreters and translators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $109,970 |
| Maryland | $88,550 |
| New York | $84,090 |
| Rhode Island | $82,320 |
| Massachusetts | $72,750 |
| Colorado | $71,790 |
| California | $70,770 |
| Connecticut | $68,340 |
| Minnesota | $66,410 |
| Oregon | $66,300 |
See Interpreters and Translators pay in every state or the New York statewide figures.
Related jobs in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $69,380 | $33.36 |
| Editor | $71,520 | $34.39 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $65,350 | $31.42 |
| Writers and Authors | $65,630 | $31.55 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $61,770 | $29.70 |
| Technical Writer | $78,300 | $37.65 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $99,620 | $47.90 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $50,000 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $60,000 | $28.85 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $42,560 | $20.46 |
| Producers and Directors | $79,450 | $38.20 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $55.43 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $58,700 | $28.22 |
| Interior Designer | $56,420 | $27.13 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-3091. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a interpreters and translators make in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area is $47,940 a year, or $23.05 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $86,160 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area earn at least $86,160 a year. The top 25% earn $53,180 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,930 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $47,940 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
About 150 interpreters and translators are employed in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.