Interpreters and Translators salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Interpreters and Translators in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn a median of $48,360 a year ($23.25 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $53,080 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $60,170. Pay here is about the same as the Iowa statewide median of $48,150. There are 0.66 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.0× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $44,890, close to the median.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,050 | $16.85 |
| 25th percentile | $38,080 | $18.31 |
| Median | $48,360 | $23.25 |
| 75th percentile | $48,360 | $23.25 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $53,080 | $25.52 |
| Average (mean) | $44,890 | $21.58 |
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 | $4,030 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,015 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,860 |
| Weekly | $930 |
| Hourly | $23.25 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $55,400 | 120 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $53,960 | 310 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $52,000 | 40 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $49,420 | 80 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $47,070 | 70 |
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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,810 | $29.72 |
| Editor | $47,300 | $22.74 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $51,890 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $51,060 | $24.55 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $38,930 | $18.72 |
| Interior Designer | $59,470 | $28.59 |
| Producers and Directors | $51,500 | $24.76 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area is $48,360 a year, or $23.25 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $53,080 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn at least $53,080 a year. The top 25% earn $48,360 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,050 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $38,080 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
About 60 interpreters and translators are employed in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.