California ranks 5th of 50 states and D.C. for interpreters and translators pay, trailing top-paying New York ($84,650) by $11,140 — a 15% gap.
California employs roughly 12.6% of all interpreters and translators in the country (6,710 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $47,580 | $22.87 |
| 25th percentile | $55,820 | $26.84 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $73,510 | $35.34 |
| 75th percentile | $96,510 | $46.40 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $108,390 | $52.11 |
| Mean (average) | $76,490 | $36.77 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $73,510 | n/a |
| New York | $84,650 | +15% |
| District of Columbia | $81,140 | +10% |
| Maryland | $78,350 | +7% |
| Virginia | $74,250 | +1% |
| Washington | $69,620 | -5% |
| Colorado | $66,590 | -9% |
| Utah | $65,990 | -10% |
| Massachusetts | $65,490 | -11% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Preparers | $73,210 | 10,700 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $73,840 | 25,790 |
| Medical Equipment Repairers | $73,860 | 6,010 |
| Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | $73,920 | 141,300 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $72,960 | 45,740 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $72,930 | 44,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Interpreters and Translators salary in California?
The mean interpreters and translators salary in California is $76,490 per year. The median (middle) salary is $73,510 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Interpreters and Translators in California?
Entry-level interpreters and translatorss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $47,580 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $55,820 per year.
What is the highest Interpreters and Translators salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $108,390 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $96,510 per year.
How does the California Interpreters and Translators salary compare to the national average?
The median interpreters and translators salary in California is $73,510, which is +24% above national average of $59,440.