Position
Salary

How much does a Linguist make?

The average salary for a Linguist is $87,252 per year in the US.

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.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Linguist?

Job seekers looking for top-paying linguist positions should consider Washington, DC, where the average salary reaches $98,111. St. Louis, MO, offers a strong alternative with an average salary of $93,774. Tampa, FL, provides competitive pay at $87,975, making it a desirable location for linguists.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Linguist jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $98,111 and Boston, MA with the lowest at $64,828.
  1. 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.
    Find Linguist jobs in Washington, DC


  2. 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.
    Find Linguist jobs in St. Louis, MO


  3. 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.
    Find Linguist jobs in Tampa, FL


  4. 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.
    Find Linguist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Linguist jobs in Denver, CO


  6. 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.
    Find Linguist jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. 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.
    Find Linguist jobs in Boston, MA

What are the best companies a Linguist can work for?

CACI International offers some of the highest salaries for linguists, with an average of $127,259. Leidos follows closely, providing an average salary of $112,577. General Dynamics Information Technology also pays well, with an average salary of $96,020. These companies value skilled linguists and offer competitive compensation packages. Other notable companies include Ascendion, FalconTek, and Metlang, which provide average salaries ranging from $89,079 to $73,663. KACE Company, Amazon.com, and LIS Solutions also offer attractive salaries for linguists. Job seekers can explore these companies for rewarding career opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Linguist jobs, highlighting CACI International with the highest at $127,259 and LIS Solutions with the lowest at $60,455.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.

How to earn more as a Linguist?

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.

  1. Specialize in high-demand languages
  2. Gain advanced degrees or certifications
  3. Network with other professionals
  4. Build experience and a strong reputation
  5. Offer a range of services

Currently 32 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.
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Linguist
32 Job Openings