As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Interpreter in California is $46,862 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Certified Interpreter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Certified Interpreter Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $50,095 | $4,175 | $963 | $24 |
| Average | $46,862 | $3,905 | $901 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,614 | $3,635 | $839 | $21 |
Reliable Interpreters, Inc. - Ontario, CA
Focus Interpreting - Los Angeles, CA
Focus Interpreting - San Diego, CA
Focus Interpreting - San Diego, CA
A Certified Interpreter'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Interpreter'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Interpreter | $47,313 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Interpreter | $47,904 |
| Senior Level Certified Interpreter | $48,426 |
| Specialist Level Certified Interpreter | $48,582 |
| Expert Level Certified Interpreter | $48,686 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Certified Interpreters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how a Certified Interpreter'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $50,095 | $4,175 | $963 | $24 |
| Average | $46,862 | $3,905 | $901 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,614 | $3,635 | $839 | $21 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Interpreter job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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