Interpreters and Translators salary in Knoxville, TN
Interpreters and Translators in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $64,770 a year ($31.14 an hour), based on BLS data for 140 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,320 for the top 10%. That is 8% higher than the national median of $60,170. Pay here is 27% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $51,080. There are 0.33 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $57,040, close to the median.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,630 | $14.25 |
| 25th percentile | $42,340 | $20.36 |
| Median | $64,770 | $31.14 |
| 75th percentile | $69,380 | $33.36 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $83,320 | $40.06 |
| Average (mean) | $57,040 | $27.42 |
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 | $5,397.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,698.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,491.15 |
| Weekly | $1,245.58 |
| Hourly | $31.14 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $66,720 | 70 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $52,970 | 100 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $49,840 | 290 |
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 Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Knoxville, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $57,360 | $27.58 |
| Writers and Authors | $63,080 | $30.33 |
| Editor | $59,630 | $28.67 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $61,020 | $29.34 |
| Technical Writer | $101,430 | $48.77 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $42,520 | $20.44 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $36,670 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,970 | $16.81 |
| Graphic Designer | $56,720 | $27.27 |
| Producers and Directors | $58,660 | $28.20 |
| Interior Designer | $61,770 | $29.70 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,420 | $23.28 |
| Floral Designer | $36,040 | $17.33 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $70,200 | $33.75 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, TN
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 Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $64,770 a year, or $31.14 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,320 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $83,320 a year. The top 25% earn $69,380 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,630 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $42,340 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in Knoxville, TN?
About 140 interpreters and translators are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.