Position
Salary
Linguists work with languages and can find jobs in many areas. They often work in education, translation, and technology. The average yearly salary for a linguist is around $87,252. This means that linguists earn a good living. Their pay can vary based on their experience and where they work.
Linguists can earn more as they gain more experience. Entry-level linguists might start with a salary around $57,460. Those with more experience can earn up to $135,000 a year. Some linguists work in specific fields like medical or legal translation. These fields can offer higher salaries. Others might work in education, where the pay can be a bit lower. But, linguists have many paths to choose from, and their salaries reflect the value they bring to their jobs.

Washington, DC
Average Salary: $98,111
In Washington, DC, professionals can find rewarding roles in government and international organizations. Agencies like the CIA and State Department often seek experts for translation and analysis. The competitive salary and dynamic work environment make it a prime location for linguists.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $93,774
St. Louis offers a mix of opportunities in education and technology. Companies such as Boeing and various tech startups value language skills for their projects. The city's lower cost of living complements the solid salary, making it an attractive place for linguists.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $87,975
Tampa provides a vibrant atmosphere with a growing number of tech firms and international businesses. Companies like Amazon and various defense contractors look for skilled linguists. The warm climate and diverse community add to the appeal of working here.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $81,795
Los Angeles is a hub for entertainment and media, where linguists can find roles in film, television, and broadcasting. Major companies like Disney and Netflix often seek language experts. The city's diverse population and cultural richness enhance the professional experience.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $70,028
Denver offers a blend of outdoor activities and professional opportunities. Tech companies and government agencies in the area value language skills. The high quality of life and reasonable cost of living make it a desirable place for linguists.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $68,004
Seattle is known for its tech industry, with companies like Microsoft and Amazon needing language experts. The city's progressive environment and strong community support make it a great place for linguists to thrive. The scenic beauty and outdoor activities also enhance the living experience.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $64,828
Boston offers a rich history and numerous educational institutions. Companies in the tech and healthcare sectors often seek linguists. The city's vibrant culture and numerous networking opportunities provide a dynamic environment for professionals.
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CACI International
Average Salary: $127,259
CACI International offers exciting opportunities for linguists. They work with government agencies to provide language and cultural expertise. They have offices in many locations across the U.S.
Leidos
Average Salary: $112,577
Leidos provides linguists with chances to work on important projects. They focus on defense and security. They operate in various locations, including the U.S. and internationally.
General Dynamics Information Technology
Average Salary: $96,020
General Dynamics Information Technology hires linguists for key roles. They work with government and commercial clients. They have offices in many areas across the U.S.
Ascendion
Average Salary: $89,079
Ascendion offers linguists the chance to work on interesting projects. They focus on defense and intelligence. They have offices in several locations in the U.S.
FalconTek
Average Salary: $80,714
FalconTek provides linguists with opportunities to work on important projects. They focus on defense and intelligence. They have offices in several locations across the U.S.
Metlang
Average Salary: $73,663
Metlang offers linguists the chance to work on interesting projects. They focus on translation and interpretation services. They have offices in several locations in the U.S.
KACE Company
Average Salary: $67,783
KACE Company provides linguists with opportunities to work on important projects. They focus on language services. They have offices in several locations in the U.S.
Amazon.com
Average Salary: $63,450
Amazon.com offers linguists the chance to work on interesting projects. They focus on e-commerce and cloud services. They have offices in many locations worldwide.
LIS Solutions
Average Salary: $60,455
LIS Solutions provides linguists with opportunities to work on important projects. They focus on language services. They have offices in several locations in the U.S.
Linguists can find many ways to increase their earnings. They often work in translation, teaching, or research. By focusing on certain areas, linguists can boost their income. One key way is to specialize in a high-demand language. Languages like Mandarin, Arabic, or Spanish often have higher demand. This can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay.
Another way to earn more is to gain advanced degrees. A master's or a Ph.D. can open up higher-paying jobs. These degrees can lead to roles in academia, research, or specialized translation. Certifications in specific areas can also help. For example, a certificate in medical translation can lead to higher-paying jobs in the healthcare industry. Networking with other professionals can also lead to better job opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can help linguists find new jobs and clients.
Experience and reputation also play a big role. Experienced linguists often command higher rates. Building a strong portfolio and getting good reviews can help. Working with well-known companies or clients can also increase earnings. Finally, offering a range of services can help. Many linguists find success by offering translation, editing, and teaching services. This can lead to a steady income from multiple sources.