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Interpreters and Translators Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Interpreters and Translators make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$70,770
Median Annual Salary
▼ -3.7% vs 2024
$78,800
Mean Salary
$70,770
Median Salary
$34.02
Hourly Rate
5,560 people work as Interpreters and Translators in California

Interpreters and Translators salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Interpreters and Translators salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Interpreters and Translators in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $49,530$49,53025th25% earn less than $56,230$56,230MedianHalf earn more than $70,770$70,77075th75% earn less than $102,010$102,01090thTop 10% earn more than $119,810$119,810

Interpreters and Translators in California earn a median salary of $70,770 per year ($5,897/month). This is 19.5% above the national average of $59,241. California ranks #7 out of 47 states for Interpreters and Translators pay. Approximately 5,560 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries decreased by 3.7% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Interpreters and Translators

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

Top Skills

Speaking
4.12
Active Listening
4.0
Reading Comprehension
3.88
Writing
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.62

Key Knowledge Areas

English Language
4.66
Foreign Language
4.13
Customer and Personal Service
3.88
Education and Training
3.39
Administrative
3.22
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (54.7% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Interpreters and Translators in California

Salaries for Interpreters and Translators in California range from $49,530 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $119,810 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $56,230 and $102,010.

Median $70,770
P10: $49,530 P25: $56,230 P75: $102,010 P90: $119,810
10th
$49,530
25th
$56,230
Median
$70,770
75th
$102,010
90th
$119,810
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $49,530 $23.81 $4,127
25th Percentile $56,230 $27.03 $4,685
Median (50th) $70,770 $34.02 $5,897
75th Percentile $102,010 $49.04 $8,500
90th Percentile (Experienced) $119,810 $57.60 $9,984

Note: The mean (average) salary of $78,800 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#7
California ranks #7 of 47 states
$59,241
National avg. for Interpreters and Translators
+19.5%
vs. national average
Above Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in California:

What does this salary really buy? See Interpreters and Translators salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Interpreters and Translators take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Interpreters and Translators Data in California

Interpreters and Translators Salary by State

Compare Interpreters and Translators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Interpreters and Translators make in California?
The median annual salary for Interpreters and Translators in California is $70,770 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $78,800.
What is the salary range for a Interpreters and Translators in California?
Salaries for Interpreters and Translators in California range from $49,530 at the 10th percentile to $119,810 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $56,230 and $102,010.
What is the starting salary for a Interpreters and Translators in California?
Entry-level Interpreters and Translators positions in California typically start around $49,530 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $56,230 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Interpreters and Translators in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 5,560 people are employed as Interpreters and Translators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Interpreters and Translators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Interpreters and Translators in California is approximately $34.02 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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