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Interpreters and Translators Salary in California
Ranked #7 of 47 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of interpreters and translatorss in California earn between $49,530 and $119,810. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean interpreters and translators salary in California is $78,800, about 18.7% above the U.S. average ($66,360). That works out to roughly $38/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $101,530 | $93,650 | 300 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $84,960 | $82,600 | 30 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $83,680 | $90,940 | 760 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $82,440 | $92,880 | 70 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $75,920 | $81,410 | 70 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $74,310 | $79,240 | 450 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $73,690 | $79,960 | 360 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $69,460 | $78,410 | 1,480 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do interpreters and translators make in California?
The median interpreters and translators salary in California is $70,770 per year (mean $78,800), and about 80% earn between $49,530 and $119,810.
How much do interpreters and translators make per hour in California?
Roughly $38 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $78,800 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for interpreters and translators?
California ranks #7 of 47 states for interpreters and translators pay. Its mean salary of $78,800 is about 18.7% above the U.S. average of $66,360.
Which metro areas in California pay interpreters and translators the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for interpreters and translators are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($101,530), Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA ($84,960), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($83,680), by median annual wage.