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Interpreters and Translators Salary in Massachusetts: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Interpreters and Translators salary really buy you in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is 9.4% pricier than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$72,750
Median annual (2025)
-8.6%
Real Purchasing Power
$66,499
COL-adjusted (RPP=109.4)

Massachusetts Cost of Living Index

Massachusetts's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 109.4, meaning prices are 9.4% higher the national average. A Interpreters and Translators earning $72,750 in Massachusetts has the equivalent purchasing power of $66,499 in an average-cost US state.

MA: 109.4
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Massachusetts's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $49,650 $45,383 $-4,266
25th Percentile (P25) $58,050 $53,062 $-4,987
Median (P50) $72,750 $66,499 $-6,250
75th Percentile (P75) $93,010 $85,018 $-7,991
90th Percentile (P90) $131,900 $120,566 $-11,333
Key Insight

While $72,750 sounds high, Massachusetts's elevated cost of living erases 9% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $66,499. Consider whether the higher pay offsets the higher costs.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Massachusetts Is a High-Cost State

RPP 109.4

Massachusetts's RPP of 109.4 puts it 9.4% above the national baseline cost of living. A Interpreters and Translators needs that premium in nominal pay just to maintain the same purchasing power as an average-cost state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

-8.6%

After applying Massachusetts's RPP, the $72,750 median salary translates to $66,499 in real terms — a 8.6% loss. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Interpreters and Translators.

Above-Median Adjusted Pay

#12 / 47

Massachusetts sits at #12 of 47 states for Interpreters and Translators COL-adjusted salary — comfortably above the national midpoint.

Best States for Interpreters and Translators (After Cost of Living)

Where does Interpreters and Translators salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$94,313
RPP 116.6
$84,333
RPP 105.0
$78,624
RPP 104.7
$78,150
RPP 107.6
5. Idaho
$72,037
RPP 91.8
$70,175
RPP 102.3
$69,835
RPP 91.0
8. Utah
$69,597
RPP 94.5
$68,678
RPP 92.3
10. Minnesota
$67,973
RPP 97.7

Massachusetts ranks #12 out of 47 states for Interpreters and Translators after cost-of-living adjustment.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Interpreters and Translators in Massachusetts after cost of living?

A Interpreters and Translators in Massachusetts earns a median salary of $72,750 per year. After adjusting for Massachusetts's cost of living (RPP=109.4), the real purchasing power is $66,499 — a -8.6% difference.

Is Massachusetts expensive to live in?

Massachusetts's cost of living is 9.4% higher than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Massachusetts is 109.4 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Interpreters and Translators in Massachusetts: $72,750 x (100 / 109.4) = $66,499. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Does the high cost of living in Massachusetts offset the salary?

Partially — a Interpreters and Translators's nominal salary of $72,750 in Massachusetts has 8.6% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $66,499. However, Massachusetts may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.

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