Interpreters and Translators salary in Rochester, NY
Interpreters and Translators in the Rochester, NY metro area earn a median of $77,770 a year ($37.39 an hour), based on BLS data for 450 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,820 for the lowest-paid 10% to $115,340 for the top 10%. That is 29% higher than the national median of $60,170. Pay here is 8% lower than the New York statewide median of $84,090. There are 0.91 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.7× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $80,550, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in Rochester, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,820 | $25.39 |
| 25th percentile | $63,390 | $30.47 |
| Median | $77,770 | $37.39 |
| 75th percentile | $96,870 | $46.57 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $115,340 | $55.45 |
| Average (mean) | $80,550 | $38.73 |
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 | $6,480.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,240.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,991.15 |
| Weekly | $1,495.58 |
| Hourly | $37.39 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $87,590 | 2,520 |
| 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 |
See Interpreters and Translators pay in every state or the New York statewide figures.
Related jobs in Rochester, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $71,740 | $34.49 |
| Editor | $76,620 | $36.84 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $54,690 | $26.29 |
| Writers and Authors | $68,600 | $32.98 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $58,180 | $27.97 |
| Technical Writer | $78,370 | $37.68 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $50,850 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $63,530 | $30.54 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,700 | $19.57 |
| Producers and Directors | $83,030 | $39.92 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $55,000 | $26.44 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $46.86 |
| Art Director | $102,070 | $49.07 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $84,130 | $40.45 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Rochester, NY
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 Rochester, NY?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in the Rochester, NY metro area is $77,770 a year, or $37.39 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,820 for the lowest-paid 10% to $115,340 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in Rochester, NY?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in the Rochester, NY metro area earn at least $115,340 a year. The top 25% earn $96,870 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in Rochester, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,820 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $63,390 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in Rochester, NY?
About 450 interpreters and translators are employed in the Rochester, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.