Interpreters and Translators salary in Iowa
Interpreters and Translators in Iowa earn a median of $48,150 a year ($23.15 an hour), based on BLS data for 560 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,330 for the lowest-paid 10% to $67,290 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $60,170. Iowa ranks 40th of 47 states for interpreters and translators pay. There are 0.36 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $49,350, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in Iowa
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,330 | $16.51 |
| 25th percentile | $40,450 | $19.45 |
| Median | $48,150 | $23.15 |
| 75th percentile | $53,620 | $25.78 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $67,290 | $32.35 |
| Average (mean) | $49,350 | $23.72 |
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 | $4,012.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,006.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,851.92 |
| Weekly | $925.96 |
| Hourly | $23.15 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Interpreters and Translators salary in cities in Iowa
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $55,400 | 120 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $53,960 | 310 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $52,000 | 40 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $49,420 | 80 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $48,360 | 60 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $47,070 | 70 |
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 Iowa
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,970 | $30.27 |
| Editor | $57,200 | $27.50 |
| Technical Writer | $66,520 | $31.98 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $43,540 | $20.93 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $37,090 | $17.83 |
| Writers and Authors | $61,010 | $29.33 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $93,810 | $45.10 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $50,080 | $24.08 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,350 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $50,310 | $24.19 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,680 | $19.08 |
| Producers and Directors | $58,550 | $28.15 |
| Interior Designer | $58,040 | $27.90 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $70,420 | $33.85 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Iowa
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 Iowa?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in Iowa is $48,150 a year, or $23.15 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,330 for the lowest-paid 10% to $67,290 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in Iowa?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in Iowa earn at least $67,290 a year. The top 25% earn $53,620 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in Iowa?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,330 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $40,450 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in Iowa?
About 560 interpreters and translators are employed in Iowa, not counting the self-employed.