Interpreters and Translators salary in Massachusetts
Interpreters and Translators in Massachusetts earn a median of $72,750 a year ($34.98 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,280 workers.
Pay ranges from $49,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $131,900 for the top 10%. That is 21% higher than the national median of $60,170. Massachusetts ranks 5th of 47 states for interpreters and translators pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.63 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.9× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $79,140, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in Massachusetts
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $49,650 | $23.87 |
| 25th percentile | $58,050 | $27.91 |
| Median | $72,750 | $34.98 |
| 75th percentile | $93,010 | $44.72 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $131,900 | $63.41 |
| Average (mean) | $79,140 | $38.05 |
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 | $6,062.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,031.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,798.08 |
| Weekly | $1,399.04 |
| Hourly | $34.98 |
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 Massachusetts
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $75,120 | 1,660 |
| Worcester, MA | $72,750 | 240 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $69,430 | 340 |
| Springfield, MA | $51,910 | 110 |
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 Massachusetts
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $79,660 | $38.30 |
| Editor | $83,170 | $39.99 |
| Technical Writer | $109,200 | $52.50 |
| Writers and Authors | $85,260 | $40.99 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $60,200 | $28.94 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $79,940 | $38.44 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $63,940 | $30.74 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $55,130 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $76,710 | $36.88 |
| Producers and Directors | $80,970 | $38.93 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,290 | $20.81 |
| Art Director | $149,320 | $71.79 |
| Interior Designer | $80,110 | $38.52 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $101,720 | $48.90 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in Massachusetts is $72,750 a year, or $34.98 an hour. Pay ranges from $49,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $131,900 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in Massachusetts?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in Massachusetts earn at least $131,900 a year. The top 25% earn $93,010 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in Massachusetts?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $49,650 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $58,050 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in Massachusetts?
About 2,280 interpreters and translators are employed in Massachusetts, not counting the self-employed.