Interpreters and Translators salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Interpreters and Translators in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $66,720 a year ($32.08 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,740 for the top 10%. That is 11% higher than the national median of $60,170. Pay here is 31% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $51,080. There are 0.12 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.35). The average (mean) salary is $67,250, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,120 | $23.13 |
| 25th percentile | $51,000 | $24.52 |
| Median | $66,720 | $32.08 |
| 75th percentile | $82,470 | $39.65 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $83,740 | $40.26 |
| Average (mean) | $67,250 | $32.33 |
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 | $5,560 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,780 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,566.15 |
| Weekly | $1,283.08 |
| Hourly | $32.08 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville, TN | $64,770 | 140 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $63,230 | 110 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $52,970 | 100 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $49,840 | 290 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $48,490 | 60 |
| Jackson, MS | $43,950 | 30 |
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,000 | $29.33 |
| Writers and Authors | $58,480 | $28.12 |
| Editor | $56,420 | $27.13 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $62,560 | $30.08 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $45,570 | $21.91 |
| Technical Writer | $90,710 | $43.61 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $48,670 | $23.40 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $31,160 | $14.98 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $37,440 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $59,000 | $28.37 |
| Producers and Directors | $60,440 | $29.06 |
| Interior Designer | $58,600 | $28.17 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,170 | $22.68 |
| Floral Designer | $37,580 | $18.07 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $66,720 a year, or $32.08 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,740 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $83,740 a year. The top 25% earn $82,470 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,120 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $51,000 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 70 interpreters and translators are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.