Interpreters and Translators salary in Tennessee
Interpreters and Translators in Tennessee earn a median of $51,080 a year ($24.56 an hour), based on BLS data for 710 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $78,480 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $60,170. Tennessee ranks 31st of 47 states for interpreters and translators pay. There are 0.22 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.65). The average (mean) salary is $53,590, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,280 | $15.52 |
| 25th percentile | $39,080 | $18.79 |
| Median | $51,080 | $24.56 |
| 75th percentile | $64,770 | $31.14 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $78,480 | $37.73 |
| Average (mean) | $53,590 | $25.76 |
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 | $4,256.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,128.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,964.62 |
| Weekly | $982.31 |
| Hourly | $24.56 |
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 Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $66,720 | 70 |
| Knoxville, TN | $64,770 | 140 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $52,970 | 100 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $49,840 | 290 |
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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $60,900 | $29.28 |
| Editor | $59,550 | $28.63 |
| Writers and Authors | $58,870 | $28.30 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $48,290 | $23.22 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $45,670 | $21.96 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $62,390 | $29.99 |
| Technical Writer | $79,550 | $38.24 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $37,780 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,500 | $16.59 |
| Graphic Designer | $57,270 | $27.54 |
| Producers and Directors | $73,020 | $35.11 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $49,970 | $24.02 |
| Interior Designer | $63,660 | $30.61 |
| Art Director | $89,860 | $43.20 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in Tennessee is $51,080 a year, or $24.56 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $78,480 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in Tennessee earn at least $78,480 a year. The top 25% earn $64,770 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,280 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $39,080 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in Tennessee?
About 710 interpreters and translators are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.