Position
Salary

How much does a Linguist make?

The average salary for a Linguist is $88,146 per year in the US.

Linguists have rewarding careers. They study languages, cultures, and communication. This field offers a wide range of salaries. The average yearly salary for a linguist is around $88,146. This number changes based on experience and location. For example, some linguists make less than $57,460, while others make over $134,200.

Here are some salary details for linguists based on their experience:

  • The lowest 10% earn about $57,460.
  • The middle 50% earn between $64,436 and $92,342.
  • The highest 10% earn over $134,200.
Specialties, like teaching or technical writing, can also affect earnings. Linguists with more experience usually earn more.

View Linguist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Linguist?

Job seekers in the field of linguistics can find top-paying opportunities in major cities. Washington, DC, stands out with an average salary of $100,673. St. Louis, MO, and Tampa, FL, follow closely, offering average salaries of $95,556 and $90,372, respectively. Another notable city is Omaha, NE, where linguists can earn an average of $89,556. Seattle, WA, rounds out the list with an average salary of $68,427.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Linguist jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $100,673 and Seattle, WA with the lowest at $68,427.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $100,673
    In Washington, DC, professionals find rich opportunities among federal agencies and think tanks. Companies like the CIA and State Department often seek skilled linguists for crucial translation and interpretation tasks. The vibrant cultural scene enhances the professional experience, making it an attractive place to work.
    Find Linguist jobs in Washington, DC


  2. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $95,556
    St. Louis offers a mix of government and private sector roles for language experts. Organizations such as Boeing and the Department of Defense regularly look for bilingual talents. The city's diverse community provides a unique environment to practice and improve language skills.
    Find Linguist jobs in St. Louis, MO


  3. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $90,372
    Tampa boasts a growing demand for linguistic skills due to its expanding tech and tourism industries. Companies like AT&T and various international firms hire linguists for communication and customer service. The warm climate makes Tampa a pleasant place to live and work.
    Find Linguist jobs in Tampa, FL


  4. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $89,556
    Omaha offers a mix of corporate and educational opportunities for language experts. Companies like Berkshire Hathaway and the University of Nebraska often hire linguists. The city’s midwestern charm provides a welcoming environment for professionals.
    Find Linguist jobs in Omaha, NE


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $68,427
    Seattle presents a dynamic job market for language professionals, with tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon seeking multilingual talents. The city’s multicultural environment enriches the workplace experience. Seattle's vibrant lifestyle makes it an appealing place to build a career.
    Find Linguist jobs in Seattle, WA

What are the best companies a Linguist can work for?

Seeking a job as a linguist? Look no further. Among the top-paying companies are CACI International and Leidos, offering average salaries of $133,558 and $115,178 respectively. Valiant Integrated Services and General Dynamics Information Technology also provide competitive wages, with averages of $96,700 and $101,809. Exploring other opportunities, FalconTek offers a solid average of $88,864, while Metlang and KACE Company provide average salaries of $76,067 and $61,390. LIS Solutions rounds out the list with an average salary of $60,455. These companies recognize the value of linguistic skills and reward them accordingly.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Linguist jobs, highlighting CACI International with the highest at $133,558 and LIS Solutions with the lowest at $60,455.
  1. CACI International
    Average Salary: $133,558
    CACI International offers exciting opportunities for linguists. With offices worldwide, the company provides various roles that require language expertise. Positions often involve national security and defense. CACI has locations in major cities across the U.S. and in several countries.


  2. Leidos
    Average Salary: $115,178
    Leidos is a leading technology company that values linguists. They focus on aerospace, defense, and health sectors. Job openings for linguists appear frequently. Leidos operates in several states in the U.S. and internationally.


  3. General Dynamics Information Technology
    Average Salary: $101,809
    General Dynamics Information Technology is known for hiring skilled linguists. They work in IT and defense sectors. Opportunities often require language skills for intelligence analysis. The company has offices across the U.S. and in various countries.


  4. Valiant Integrated Services
    Average Salary: $96,700
    Valiant Integrated Services looks for linguists to support national security and defense. They offer various roles that need language skills. The company is active in several states in the U.S. and internationally.


  5. FalconTek
    Average Salary: $88,864
    FalconTek employs linguists for national security and defense projects. They offer diverse roles requiring language expertise. Locations include several states in the U.S. and other countries.


  6. Metlang
    Average Salary: $76,067
    Metlang specializes in language services for the government and private sectors. They hire linguists for translation and interpretation. Positions are available in several states in the U.S.


  7. KACE Company
    Average Salary: $61,390
    KACE Company offers roles for linguists in the defense and government sectors. They focus on language services and consulting. They have locations in several states in the U.S.


  8. LIS Solutions
    Average Salary: $60,455
    LIS Solutions hires linguists for national security and defense roles. They need language expertise for translation and analysis. They operate in several states in the U.S.

How to earn more as a Linguist?

Working as a linguist offers various opportunities to increase income. By focusing on the right strategies, it is possible to maximize earnings. Key factors can include specialization, additional certifications, and expanding professional networks. These elements contribute to enhancing skills and opening up more lucrative job opportunities.

Specializing in a niche can lead to higher-paying jobs. For instance, becoming an expert in medical translation or legal interpretation often attracts higher rates. Certification from recognized bodies adds credibility and can result in more job offers. Networking with industry professionals helps to stay informed about high-paying opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can lead to better job prospects and salary negotiations.

Seeking roles in high-demand sectors can also boost earnings. For example, working in technology or international business often pays more than general linguistic jobs. Continuous learning and upgrading skills keep a linguist competitive. Staying updated with the latest tools and software can open doors to more advanced and better-paying roles.

Investing time in building a strong online presence can help attract clients. Creating a professional website and maintaining active social media profiles showcase expertise and availability. These efforts can lead to freelance opportunities that pay well.

  1. Specialize in a niche
  2. Obtain additional certifications
  3. Expand professional networks
  4. Focus on high-demand sectors
  5. Enhance online presence

Currently 133 Linguist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Linguist in the US?

Learn what a Linguist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Linguist today.
Position
Overview
Linguist
133 Job Openings