Interpreters and Translators salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Interpreters and Translators in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $55,400 a year ($26.63 an hour), based on BLS data for 120 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $75,260 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $60,170. Pay here is 15% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $48,150. There are 0.30 interpreters and translators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $55,750, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for interpreters and translators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,850 | $17.72 |
| 25th percentile | $47,830 | $23.00 |
| Median | $55,400 | $26.63 |
| 75th percentile | $63,590 | $30.57 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $75,260 | $36.19 |
| Average (mean) | $55,750 | $26.80 |
Half of interpreters and translators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,616.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,308.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,130.77 |
| Weekly | $1,065.38 |
| Hourly | $26.63 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $55,400 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Interpreters and Translators salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $53,960 | 310 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $52,000 | 40 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $49,420 | 80 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $48,360 | 60 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $47,070 | 70 |
Highest-paying states for interpreters and translators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $109,970 |
| Maryland | $88,550 |
| New York | $84,090 |
| Rhode Island | $82,320 |
| Massachusetts | $72,750 |
| Colorado | $71,790 |
| California | $70,770 |
| Connecticut | $68,340 |
| Minnesota | $66,410 |
| Oregon | $66,300 |
See Interpreters and Translators pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $70,660 | $33.97 |
| Editor | $63,720 | $30.64 |
| Technical Writer | $69,450 | $33.39 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $54,230 | $26.07 |
| Writers and Authors | $63,010 | $30.29 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $37,770 | $18.16 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $82,040 | $39.44 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,710 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $56,520 | $27.17 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,320 | $20.83 |
| Producers and Directors | $62,370 | $29.99 |
| Interior Designer | $57,840 | $27.81 |
| Photographer | $42,080 | $20.23 |
| Art Director | $90,000 | $43.27 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-3091. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a interpreters and translators make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for interpreters and translators in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $55,400 a year, or $26.63 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $75,260 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid interpreters and translators make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of interpreters and translators in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $75,260 a year. The top 25% earn $63,590 or more.
What is the starting pay for interpreters and translators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,850 a year, and a quarter of interpreters and translators earn $47,830 or less.
How many interpreters and translators work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 120 interpreters and translators are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.