How much does a translator make?
a year · about $29 an hour
A typical translator in the United States makes $60,170 a year, about $29 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
An interpreter may listen in a hospital or courtroom and quickly repeat each message in another language. A translator may work at a computer, checking and revising a document before a deadline.
Did you know? For long assignments, U.S. simultaneous interpreters may work in pairs or small teams because the work can cause mental fatigue.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $37,070 and $103,660How do you become one?
In the U.S., become highly skilled in English and another language and usually earn a bachelor’s degree, often in languages, business, or communications. Certification is optional for many jobs, but most states require it for court interpreters.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like keeping things organized and creating
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with language demand, specialty, experience, education or certification, employer, and location. Part-time work and changing schedules can also affect total earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Maryland ($88,550), lowest in Texas ($47,510).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Kids' questions
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $37,070 | $60,170 | $103,660 | about 52,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $88,550 | about 1,000 |
| New York | $84,090 | about 3,000 |
| Massachusetts | $72,750 | about 2,000 |
| Colorado | $71,790 | about 800 |
| California | $70,770 | about 6,000 |
Official definition: Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-3091.00
- www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Guidance-on-Becoming-a-Professional-Tra
- www.atanet.org/career-education
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY