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Careers · Interpreters and Translators · California

Interpreters and Translators in California

Interpreters and translators convert spoken or written language from one language into another. Interpreters work with oral or sign language in real-time settings like medical offices, courts, conferences, and community organizations In California the median pay is $70,770 a year, 18% above the national median of $60,170.

$70,770median pay in California, per year
$56,230–$102,010middle half earn
5,560employed in California
$60,170U.S. median, for comparison
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Who is hiring in California

3open roles like this on employer career sites, 1 in California or remote
3employers hiring
2posted in the last 7 days
TX · Remotewhere most openings are

Openings in California and remote

Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.

What it takes

Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most hold a bachelor’s degree.

Skills that matter most

SpeakingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingMonitoringActive LearningSocial Perceptiveness

Knowledge areas

English LanguageForeign LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingAdministrativePublic Safety and Security

Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Interpreters and Translators.

Licenses and training in California

Local training programsCertificationsLicenses in your stateApprenticeships

Interpreters and Translators pay in other states

District of Columbia · $109,970Maryland · $88,550New York · $84,090Rhode Island · $82,320Massachusetts · $72,750Colorado · $71,790Connecticut · $68,340Minnesota · $66,410Oregon · $66,300Idaho · $66,130

Related occupations

Court Reporters and Simultaneous CaptionersMedia and Communication Workers, All OtherBroadcast Announcers and Radio Disc JockeysNews Analysts, Reporters, and JournalistsPublic Relations SpecialistsEditorsTechnical WritersWriters and Authors
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against interpreters and translators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 27-3091.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.