Interpreters and Translators salary in New York
Interpreters and Translators in New York earn a median of $84,090 a year ($40.43 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,240 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,350 for the top 10%. That is 40% higher than the national median of $60,170. New York ranks 3rd of 47 states for interpreters and translators pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.34 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $86,550, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in New York
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,930 | $23.52 |
| 25th percentile | $56,010 | $26.93 |
| Median | $84,090 | $40.43 |
| 75th percentile | $107,800 | $51.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,350 | $61.22 |
| Average (mean) | $86,550 | $41.61 |
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 | $7,007.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,503.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,234.23 |
| Weekly | $1,617.12 |
| Hourly | $40.43 |
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 New York
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $87,590 | 2,520 |
| Rochester, NY | $77,770 | 450 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $69,470 | 150 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $47,940 | 150 |
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 New York
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $81,250 | $39.06 |
| Editor | $101,480 | $48.79 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $100,770 | $48.45 |
| Technical Writer | $98,310 | $47.26 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $81,310 | $39.09 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $101,990 | $49.03 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $81,110 | $39.00 |
| Producers and Directors | $107,550 | $51.71 |
| Graphic Designer | $77,340 | $37.19 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $59,920 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,660 | $20.99 |
| Art Director | $137,320 | $66.02 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $67,600 | $32.50 |
| Actor | — | $28.44 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in New York
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 New York?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in New York is $84,090 a year, or $40.43 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,350 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in New York?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in New York earn at least $127,350 a year. The top 25% earn $107,800 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in New York?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,930 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $56,010 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in New York?
About 3,240 interpreters and translators are employed in New York, not counting the self-employed.