Interpreters and Translators Salary in North Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Interpreters and Translators in North Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Carolina Median
$50,030
per year
Hourly Rate
$24.05
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-17% vs US median
US median $60,170
State Rank
#35 of 47
1,780 employed here

How much do Interpreters and Translators make in North Carolina?

Interpreters and Translators in North Carolina take home a median of $50,030 annually — roughly $24.05 an hour — which runs 17% below the national median of $60,170.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $34,510 while the top 10% make $101,110 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,580 and $69,070 a year.

Interpreters and Translators salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$34,510$16.59
25th percentile (early career)$41,580$19.99
50th percentile (median)$50,030$24.05
75th percentile (experienced)$69,070$33.21
90th percentile (top earners)$101,110$48.61

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 35th out of 47 states and territories for Interpreters and Translators pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$109,970
2Maryland$88,550
3New York$84,090
4Rhode Island$82,320
5Massachusetts$72,750

Working as Interpreters and Translators in North Carolina

Nationally, about 52,000 people work as Interpreters and Translators in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare North Carolina pay ($50,030) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Interpreters and Translators make in North Carolina?
The median Interpreters and Translators salary in North Carolina is $50,030 per year, or about $24.05 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $34,510 at the entry level to $101,110 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Interpreters and Translators about 17% less than the national median of $60,170. North Carolina ranks 35th out of 47 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Interpreters and Translators?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $50,030 a year. About 1,780 Interpreters and Translators are employed in North Carolina. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in North Carolina include Surgeon, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologist ($367,350), Emergency Medicine Physician ($339,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Interpreters and Translators salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.