Interpreters and Translators salary in Tucson, AZ
Interpreters and Translators in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn a median of $57,920 a year ($27.85 an hour), based on BLS data for 190 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $95,010 for the top 10%. That is 4% lower than the national median of $60,170. Pay here is 15% higher than the Arizona statewide median of $50,150. There are 0.47 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $61,310, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in Tucson, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,470 | $15.13 |
| 25th percentile | $46,790 | $22.50 |
| Median | $57,920 | $27.85 |
| 75th percentile | $77,730 | $37.37 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $95,010 | $45.68 |
| Average (mean) | $61,310 | $29.48 |
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 | $4,826.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,413.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,227.69 |
| Weekly | $1,113.85 |
| Hourly | $27.85 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $50,070 | 1,720 |
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 Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Tucson, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,630 | $29.63 |
| Technical Writer | $75,070 | $36.09 |
| Editor | $59,420 | $28.57 |
| Writers and Authors | $47,990 | $23.07 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $79,640 | $38.29 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,080 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $57,710 | $27.74 |
| Producers and Directors | $64,530 | $31.03 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,740 | $18.14 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $43,010 | $20.68 |
| Interior Designer | $58,110 | $27.94 |
| Broadcast Technician | $49,150 | $23.63 |
| Actor | — | $18.12 |
| Floral Designer | $34,560 | $16.61 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Tucson, AZ
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 Tucson, AZ?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in the Tucson, AZ metro area is $57,920 a year, or $27.85 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $95,010 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in Tucson, AZ?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn at least $95,010 a year. The top 25% earn $77,730 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in Tucson, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,470 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $46,790 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in Tucson, AZ?
About 190 interpreters and translators are employed in the Tucson, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.