Interpreters and Translators salary in Michigan
Interpreters and Translators in Michigan earn a median of $45,310 a year ($21.78 an hour), based on BLS data for 940 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $88,630 for the top 10%. That is 25% lower than the national median of $60,170. Michigan ranks 46th of 47 states for interpreters and translators pay. There are 0.21 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.64). The average (mean) salary is $54,040, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in Michigan
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,990 | $17.30 |
| 25th percentile | $35,990 | $17.30 |
| Median | $45,310 | $21.78 |
| 75th percentile | $69,830 | $33.57 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $88,630 | $42.61 |
| Average (mean) | $54,040 | $25.98 |
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 | $3,775.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,887.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,742.69 |
| Weekly | $871.35 |
| Hourly | $21.78 |
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 Michigan
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $66,980 | n/a |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $61,610 | 30 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $51,030 | 100 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $35,990 | 580 |
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 Michigan
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $65,300 | $31.39 |
| Editor | $63,090 | $30.33 |
| Technical Writer | $85,270 | $40.99 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $62,760 | $30.17 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $46,640 | $22.42 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $61,600 | $29.62 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $58,720 | $28.23 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,050 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $57,350 | $27.57 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $36,710 | $17.65 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $102,160 | $49.12 |
| Producers and Directors | $65,720 | $31.60 |
| Interior Designer | $59,340 | $28.53 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $58,300 | $28.03 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Michigan
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 Michigan?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in Michigan is $45,310 a year, or $21.78 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $88,630 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in Michigan?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in Michigan earn at least $88,630 a year. The top 25% earn $69,830 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in Michigan?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,990 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $35,990 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in Michigan?
About 940 interpreters and translators are employed in Michigan, not counting the self-employed.