Translator/Linguist Salary in the United States

How much does a Translator/Linguist make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Translator/Linguist in the United States is $63,180 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

However, a Translator/Linguist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,808
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,170 to $69,790
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $49,788
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View as table View as graph 25% $56,170 10% $49,788 90% $75,808 75% $69,790 $63,180 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Translator/Linguist Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $69,790 $5,816 $1,342 $34
Average $63,180 $5,265 $1,215 $30
25th Percentile $56,170 $4,681 $1,080 $27
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Key Factors That Influence Translator/Linguist Salaries

A Translator/Linguist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Translator/Linguist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Translator/Linguist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $60,878
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $61,087
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $63,673
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $66,436
  • Expert (over 8 years): $66,633
Levels Salary
Entry Level Translator/Linguist$60,878
Intermediate Level Translator/Linguist$61,087
Senior Level Translator/Linguist$63,673
Specialist Level Translator/Linguist$66,436
Expert Level Translator/Linguist$66,633
$60,878 0 yr
$61,087 < 2 yrs
$63,673 2-4 yrs
$66,436 5-8 yrs
$66,633 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Translator/Linguist Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Translator/Linguists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $69,950.
  • California: $69,690.
  • Massachusetts: $68,760.

Top Paying Cities for Translator/Linguists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $79,690
  • San Francisco: $78,900
  • Oakland: $77,150

What Skills Can Increase a Translator/Linguist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 9.1% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Customer Retention (Mentioned in 4.69% Job Postings): Customer retention refers to the ability of a company or product to retain its customers over some specified period. High customer retention means customers of the product or business tend to return to, continue to buy or in some other way not defect to another product or business, or to non-use entirely. Selling organizations generally attempt to reduce customer defections. Customer retention starts with the first contact an organization has with a customer and continues throughout the entire lifetime of a relationship and successful retention efforts take this entire lifecycle into account. A company's ability to attract and retain new customers is related not only to its product or services, but also to the way it services its existing customers, the value the customers actually generate as a result of utilizing the solutions, and the reputation it creates within and across the marketplace.
  • Direct Sales (Mentioned in 1.58% Job Postings): Direct selling consists of two main business models: single-level marketing, in which a direct seller makes money by buying products from a parent organization and selling them directly to customers, and multi-level marketing (also known as network marketing or person-to-person marketing), in which the direct seller may earn money from both direct sales to customers and by sponsoring new direct sellers and potentially earning a commission from their efforts. According to the FTC: "Direct selling is a blanket term that encompasses a variety of business forms premised on person-to-person selling in locations other than a retail establishment, such as social media platforms or the home of the salesperson or prospective customer." Modern direct selling includes sales made through the party plan, one-on-one demonstrations, and other personal contact arrangements as well as internet sales. Some sources have defined direct selling as: "The direct personal presentation, demonstration, and sale of products and services to consumers, usually in their homes or at their jobs."
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 9.1%
Customer Retention 4.69%
Direct Sales 1.58%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Translator/Linguist's salary.
  • Phone Sales: Can increase your salary by up to 42%.
  • Goal Oriented: Can increase your salary by up to 39%.
  • Direct Sales: Can increase your salary by up to 23%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Phone Sales
$89,716
42%
Goal Oriented
$87,820
39%
Direct Sales
$77,711
23%
Analysis
$73,921
17%
Authenticity
$73,289
16%
Customer Retention
$68,234
8%
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How Education impacts a Translator/Linguist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Translator/Linguists enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Translator/Linguist with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $59,751 and $64,894).

Translator/Linguist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Translator/Linguist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 13.1%
Associates 7.4%
Bachelors 50.3%
Masters 24.0%
Doctorate 4.5%
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Translator/Linguist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Translator/Linguist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on January 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Translator/Linguist

Salaries for a Translator/Linguist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $67,731 in 2023 to around $67,444 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Translator/Linguist salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Translator/Linguist Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$67,731
2024
$67,822
2025
$67,444
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $67,731
2024 $67,822
2025 $67,444
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Translator/Linguist

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Translator/Linguist

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FAQ about Translator/Linguist

1. How much does a Translator get paid in the US?

How much does a Translator make? In the United States, the salary for a Translator ranges from a minimum of $54,390 to a maximum of $72,370, with a median salary of $62,700. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $26.10 to $34.77, depending on experience and location.

2. Are linguists in demand?

Yes, linguists are in high demand, particularly those with Indigenous backgrounds. The need for their expertise exceeds the available workforce, making it essential to attract more individuals to this field. While the salary range for translators/linguists is between $54,390 and $72,370, the compensation can vary based on experience and specialization.

3. Which language translator is highly paid?

Arabic translators are among the highest paid, with salaries ranging from $54,390 to $72,370, depending on experience and expertise. Proficiency in Arabic can lead to lucrative opportunities in various sectors, including business transactions and media roles, as many companies seek bilingual professionals to bridge communication gaps.

4. What is the highest paying language jobs?

Some of the highest paying language jobs include Translator, Language Interpreter, Foreign Language Teacher, Tour Guide, Customer Service Representative, and roles in Embassies. Salaries for translators range from a minimum of $54,390 to a mid-level of $62,700, with top earners making up to $72,370, reflecting the demand for language expertise in various sectors.

5. Do translators get paid more than interpreters?

Translators generally earn more than interpreters. Based on salary data, translators have a salary range with a minimum of $54,390, a mid-point of $62,700, and a maximum of $72,370. In comparison, interpreters typically earn less, reflecting the difference in compensation for these roles.

6. Which states pay translators the most?

The highest paying states for translators typically include California, New York, and Illinois. In these areas, salaries can range from a minimum of $54,390 to a mid-level of $62,700, reaching up to a maximum of $72,370 annually. Cities like San Francisco and New York lead with hourly rates around $36.11 and $35.68, respectively.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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