Interpreters and Translators salary in District of Columbia
Interpreters and Translators in District of Columbia earn a median of $109,970 a year ($52.87 an hour), based on BLS data for 280 workers.
Pay ranges from $58,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $128,610 for the top 10%. That is 83% higher than the national median of $60,170. District of Columbia ranks 1st of 47 states for interpreters and translators pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.40 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $102,960, close to the median.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in District of Columbia
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $58,720 | $28.23 |
| 25th percentile | $77,060 | $37.05 |
| Median | $109,970 | $52.87 |
| 75th percentile | $124,450 | $59.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $128,610 | $61.83 |
| Average (mean) | $102,960 | $49.50 |
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 | $9,164.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,582.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,229.62 |
| Weekly | $2,114.81 |
| Hourly | $52.87 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $109,970 salary, see how much house you can afford in District of Columbia at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Interpreters and Translators salary in cities in District of Columbia
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $94,510 | 1,630 |
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 |
Related jobs in District of Columbia
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $102,740 | $49.40 |
| Editor | $83,920 | $40.35 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $105,390 | $50.67 |
| Writers and Authors | $129,300 | $62.16 |
| Technical Writer | $117,810 | $56.64 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $67,450 | $32.43 |
| Producers and Directors | $104,270 | $50.13 |
| Graphic Designer | $87,920 | $42.27 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $78,770 | $37.87 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $65,360 | — |
| Interior Designer | $98,450 | $47.33 |
| Film and Video Editors | $98,830 | $47.51 |
| Broadcast Technician | $108,270 | $52.05 |
| Photographer | $110,970 | $53.35 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in District of Columbia is $109,970 a year, or $52.87 an hour. Pay ranges from $58,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $128,610 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in District of Columbia?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in District of Columbia earn at least $128,610 a year. The top 25% earn $124,450 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in District of Columbia?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $58,720 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $77,060 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in District of Columbia?
About 280 interpreters and translators are employed in District of Columbia, not counting the self-employed.