Interpreters and Translators salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
Interpreters and Translators in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn a median of $60,850 a year ($29.25 an hour), based on BLS data for 330 workers.
Pay ranges from $41,960 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,210 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $60,170. Pay here is 7% higher than the Missouri statewide median of $57,010. There are 0.30 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $66,560, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $41,960 | $20.18 |
| 25th percentile | $46,580 | $22.39 |
| Median | $60,850 | $29.25 |
| 75th percentile | $83,670 | $40.22 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $98,210 | $47.22 |
| Average (mean) | $66,560 | $32.00 |
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 | $5,070.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,535.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,340.38 |
| Weekly | $1,170.19 |
| Hourly | $29.25 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $57,480 | 180 |
| Topeka, KS | $50,250 | 50 |
| Wichita, KS | $42,500 | 100 |
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 Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $68,050 | $32.72 |
| Editor | $65,180 | $31.34 |
| Technical Writer | $76,590 | $36.82 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $48,490 | $23.31 |
| Writers and Authors | $67,230 | $32.32 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $44,830 | $21.55 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $70,900 | $34.09 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,100 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,370 | $20.85 |
| Interior Designer | $65,160 | $31.33 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $37,650 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $66,470 | $31.96 |
| Floral Designer | $35,950 | $17.29 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Kansas City, MO-KS
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 Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area is $60,850 a year, or $29.25 an hour. Pay ranges from $41,960 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,210 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn at least $98,210 a year. The top 25% earn $83,670 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in Kansas City, MO-KS?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $41,960 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $46,580 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in Kansas City, MO-KS?
About 330 interpreters and translators are employed in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area, not counting the self-employed.