Interpreters and Translators salary in Richmond, VA
Interpreters and Translators in the Richmond, VA metro area earn a median of $78,030 a year ($37.52 an hour), based on BLS data for 140 workers.
Pay ranges from $49,560 for the lowest-paid 10% to $97,740 for the top 10%. That is 30% higher than the national median of $60,170. Pay here is 24% higher than the Virginia statewide median of $63,030. There are 0.20 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.61). The average (mean) salary is $72,950, close to the median.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in Richmond, VA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $49,560 | $23.83 |
| 25th percentile | $54,530 | $26.22 |
| Median | $78,030 | $37.52 |
| 75th percentile | $89,990 | $43.26 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $97,740 | $46.99 |
| Average (mean) | $72,950 | $35.07 |
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 | $6,502.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,251.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,001.15 |
| Weekly | $1,500.58 |
| Hourly | $37.52 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $94,510 | 1,630 |
| Charlottesville, VA | $65,910 | 40 |
| Roanoke, VA | $54,630 | 40 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $40,580 | 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 Virginia statewide figures.
Related jobs in Richmond, VA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $75,730 | $36.41 |
| Editor | $70,380 | $33.84 |
| Writers and Authors | $74,300 | $35.72 |
| Technical Writer | $79,200 | $38.08 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $56,910 | $27.36 |
| Graphic Designer | $66,350 | $31.90 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $38,630 | $18.57 |
| Interior Designer | $58,790 | $28.27 |
| Producers and Directors | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $55,490 | $26.68 |
| Photographer | $46,420 | $22.32 |
| Art Director | $99,610 | $47.89 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $89,360 | $42.96 |
| Floral Designer | $37,460 | $18.01 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Richmond, VA
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 Richmond, VA?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in the Richmond, VA metro area is $78,030 a year, or $37.52 an hour. Pay ranges from $49,560 for the lowest-paid 10% to $97,740 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in Richmond, VA?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in the Richmond, VA metro area earn at least $97,740 a year. The top 25% earn $89,990 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in Richmond, VA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $49,560 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $54,530 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in Richmond, VA?
About 140 interpreters and translators are employed in the Richmond, VA metro area, not counting the self-employed.