Interpreters and Translators salary in North Carolina
Interpreters and Translators in North Carolina earn a median of $50,030 a year ($24.05 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,780 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $101,110 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $60,170. North Carolina ranks 35th of 47 states for interpreters and translators pay. There are 0.36 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $59,890, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in North Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,510 | $16.59 |
| 25th percentile | $41,580 | $19.99 |
| Median | $50,030 | $24.05 |
| 75th percentile | $69,070 | $33.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $101,110 | $48.61 |
| Average (mean) | $59,890 | $28.79 |
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 | $4,169.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,084.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,924.23 |
| Weekly | $962.12 |
| Hourly | $24.05 |
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 North Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $53,790 | 60 |
| Greenville, NC | $53,140 | 50 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $52,640 | 390 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $51,990 | 140 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $51,270 | 190 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $49,350 | 100 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $43,470 | 130 |
| Asheville, NC | $41,580 | 80 |
| Burlington, NC | $38,720 | 50 |
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 North Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $67,230 | $32.32 |
| Technical Writer | $86,320 | $41.50 |
| Editor | $73,740 | $35.45 |
| Writers and Authors | $63,660 | $30.60 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $58,670 | $28.21 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $47,910 | $23.03 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $73,510 | $35.34 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $42,920 | $20.64 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $43,840 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,960 | $18.25 |
| Graphic Designer | $58,450 | $28.10 |
| Producers and Directors | $63,700 | $30.62 |
| Interior Designer | $61,400 | $29.52 |
| Photographer | $37,120 | $17.84 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in North Carolina
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 North Carolina?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in North Carolina is $50,030 a year, or $24.05 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $101,110 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in North Carolina?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in North Carolina earn at least $101,110 a year. The top 25% earn $69,070 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in North Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,510 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $41,580 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in North Carolina?
About 1,780 interpreters and translators are employed in North Carolina, not counting the self-employed.