Interpreters and Translators Salary in Tennessee (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$51,080
per year
Hourly Rate
$24.56
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-15% vs US median
US median $60,170
State Rank
#31 of 47
710 employed here

How much do Interpreters and Translators make in Tennessee?

Interpreters and Translators working in Tennessee earn a median salary of $51,080 per year, or about $24.56 per hour. That is 15% below the national median of $60,170 for this occupation.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $32,280 while the top 10% make $78,480 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,080 and $64,770 a year.

Interpreters and Translators salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$32,280$15.52
25th percentile (early career)$39,080$18.79
50th percentile (median)$51,080$24.56
75th percentile (experienced)$64,770$31.14
90th percentile (top earners)$78,480$37.73

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 31st 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 Tennessee

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 Tennessee pay ($51,080) 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 Tennessee?
The median Interpreters and Translators salary in Tennessee is $51,080 per year, or about $24.56 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $32,280 at the entry level to $78,480 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Interpreters and Translators about 15% less than the national median of $60,170. Tennessee ranks 31st out of 47 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Interpreters and Translators?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $51,080 a year. About 710 Interpreters and Translators are employed in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), 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.