Position
Salary

How much does a Linguist make?

The average salary for a Linguist is $83,408 per year in the US.

Linguists have a rewarding career with diverse opportunities across various industries. Their skills often lead to a good income. On average, a linguist earns around $83,400 per year. This range can vary based on experience and the specific role. Some linguists may earn more, especially if they have advanced degrees or specialized skills.

The earnings of linguists can be broken down into different categories. For instance, those in the top 10% of earners make above $134,000 annually. Meanwhile, the bottom 10% earn less than $57,460 each year. The median salary falls around $78,389. This means half of all linguists earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less. It's important to note that salary can also depend on the industry and location. For example, working in tech or government often pays more than roles in academia or non-profits.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Linguist?

Explore top-paying cities for linguists to enhance your career. St. Louis, MO, and Tampa, FL, lead with average salaries of $90,714 and $90,398, respectively. Seattle, WA, Houston, TX, and Baltimore, MD, also offer strong earning potential.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Linguist jobs, highlighting St. Louis, MO with the highest at $90,714 and New Orleans, LA with the lowest at $60,287.
  1. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $90,714
    In St. Louis, translators and interpreters play a key role in a city known for its cultural diversity. Major employers like Boeing and Washington University provide opportunities for language specialists.
    Find Linguist jobs in St. Louis, MO


  2. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $90,398
    Tampa's tourism industry benefits greatly from multilingual professionals. With attractions like Busch Gardens, language experts can find roles with travel agencies and hospitality companies.
    Find Linguist jobs in Tampa, FL


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $68,798
    Seattle offers a dynamic environment for language professionals. Tech giants such as Microsoft and Amazon seek linguists for their global operations, offering diverse and impactful roles.
    Find Linguist jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $67,568
    Houston's energy sector provides unique opportunities for language experts. Companies in the oil and gas industry need interpreters and translators for international business.
    Find Linguist jobs in Houston, TX


  5. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $62,253
    Baltimore's rich history and cultural diversity create demand for language professionals. Government agencies and nonprofits offer rewarding career paths for those who can bridge language gaps.
    Find Linguist jobs in Baltimore, MD


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $60,966
    Boston, a hub for education and research, needs linguists to support its universities and academic institutions. The city's vibrant arts scene also creates opportunities in translation services.
    Find Linguist jobs in Boston, MA


  7. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $60,287
    New Orleans' unique cultural landscape offers a vibrant setting for language experts. The tourism industry and local businesses benefit from professionals who can communicate across languages.
    Find Linguist jobs in New Orleans, LA

What are the best companies a Linguist can work for?

Linguists can find rewarding job opportunities at top-paying companies. CACI International leads the way with an average salary of $133,568, offering exciting career prospects. Other notable employers include Leidos and General Dynamics Information Technology, both providing competitive compensation packages. Aspiring linguists might also consider companies like Valiant Integrated Services and FalconTek, which offer solid salaries above $90,000. These organizations recognize the value of language skills and support professional growth. They offer a promising environment for career advancement.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Linguist jobs, highlighting CACI International with the highest at $133,568 and LIS Solutions with the lowest at $60,625.
  1. CACI International
    Average Salary: $133,568
    CACI International offers exciting opportunities for linguists in various locations. The company provides roles in intelligence, defense, and national security, requiring language skills for translation and analysis. CACI International operates offices across the U.S. and internationally.


  2. Leidos
    Average Salary: $114,940
    Leidos has a strong demand for linguists to support national security and intelligence missions. They provide services in over 100 countries, offering roles for translation, interpretation, and analysis. Leidos has locations throughout the United States and around the world.


  3. General Dynamics Information Technology
    Average Salary: $98,263
    General Dynamics Information Technology seeks skilled linguists for its intelligence and defense contracts. They provide translation and interpretation services to support national security. The company has locations in the U.S. and overseas.


  4. Valiant Integrated Services
    Average Salary: $97,341
    Valiant Integrated Services offers roles for linguists in intelligence and defense. They work on projects for federal agencies, providing language services. The company operates in the U.S. and internationally.


  5. FalconTek
    Average Salary: $90,217
    FalconTek provides opportunities for linguists in intelligence and defense roles. They support federal agencies with translation, interpretation, and analysis services. FalconTek has offices in the U.S. and overseas.


  6. Metlang
    Average Salary: $79,406
    Metlang offers roles for linguists in intelligence and defense, providing translation and interpretation services. They support federal agencies with language expertise. Metlang has locations in the U.S. and internationally.


  7. KACE
    Average Salary: $66,208
    KACE provides opportunities for linguists in intelligence and defense. They offer translation and interpretation services for federal agencies. KACE has locations in the U.S. and internationally.


  8. KACE Company
    Average Salary: $64,109
    KACE Company offers roles for linguists in intelligence and defense, providing language services. They support federal agencies with translation and interpretation. The company operates in the U.S. and overseas.


  9. LIS Solutions
    Average Salary: $60,625
    LIS Solutions provides roles for linguists in intelligence and defense, offering translation and interpretation services. They support federal agencies with language expertise. LIS Solutions has offices in the U.S. and internationally.

How to earn more as a Linguist?

Earning more as a linguist involves gaining expertise and experience in specific areas. Specializing in a particular field allows linguists to command higher salaries. For instance, expertise in medical translation or legal translation can increase job opportunities and earning potential. Networking with professionals in specialized areas can lead to better job offers.

Continuous learning and professional development play a crucial role in increasing earnings. Certification in advanced language skills and related technologies can set a linguist apart. Attending workshops, courses, and conferences helps in staying updated with the latest industry trends. This ongoing education can lead to higher-paying jobs and promotions.

Additionally, building a strong professional network can significantly impact earnings. Connecting with industry leaders and other professionals can open doors to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Volunteering for projects and participating in professional organizations also enhances visibility and credibility in the field.

Here are five factors to consider:

  • Specialization in a specific area of linguistics
  • Continuous learning and professional development
  • Building a strong professional network
  • Gaining certifications in advanced language skills
  • Attending workshops, courses, and conferences

Currently 114 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
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Linguist
114 Job Openings