Position
Salary

How much does a Linguist make?

The average salary for a Linguist is $86,231 per year in the US.

Linguists have a rewarding career with a competitive salary. On average, a linguist earns about $86,231 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, education, and the specific industry. For those just starting, salaries can be lower, but they grow with experience and expertise.

The salary range for linguists can be quite broad. The lowest 10% earn less than $57,460. The top 10% earn more than $135,000. Most linguists fall somewhere in the middle, with salaries ranging from $71,558 to $120,902. This range shows that there are many opportunities for growth and advancement in the field.

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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 $99,585. St. Louis, MO, offers a strong alternative with a salary of $92,224. Tampa, FL, provides a competitive salary of $89,606, making it another attractive option. Los Angeles, CA, Denver, CO, and Seattle, WA, also offer attractive salaries for linguists, with averages of $87,048, $71,357, and $69,036, respectively. These cities provide diverse opportunities for professionals in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Linguist jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $99,585 and Seattle, WA with the lowest at $69,036.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $99,585
    In Washington, DC, professionals in language roles often work with government agencies and international organizations. Companies like the CIA and State Department offer exciting opportunities. The city's diverse culture enhances the need for language skills.
    Find Linguist jobs in Washington, DC


  2. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $92,224
    St. Louis provides a mix of opportunities for language experts in both corporate and non-profit sectors. Companies such as Boeing and local universities value strong language skills. The city's vibrant community life adds to the appeal.
    Find Linguist jobs in St. Louis, MO


  3. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $89,606
    In Tampa, language professionals find roles in tourism and international business. Companies like Busch Gardens and various tech firms seek skilled linguists. The warm climate and diverse population make it a welcoming place to work.
    Find Linguist jobs in Tampa, FL


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $87,048
    Los Angeles offers a dynamic environment for language experts, with opportunities in entertainment and tech. Major companies like Disney and Amazon need skilled linguists. The city's multicultural landscape provides a rich context for language work.
    Find Linguist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $71,357
    Denver presents a growing market for language professionals, especially in tech and aerospace. Companies such as Lockheed Martin and local startups value bilingual skills. The city's outdoor lifestyle and professional opportunities make it attractive.
    Find Linguist jobs in Denver, CO


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $69,036
    Seattle is home to many tech giants and startups that need language experts. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon offer diverse roles. The city's innovative culture and natural beauty create a great work environment.
    Find Linguist jobs in Seattle, WA

What are the best companies a Linguist can work for?

CACI International offers the highest average salary for linguists, making it a top choice for job seekers. Leidos and General Dynamics Information Technology also provide competitive pay, with average salaries above $100,000. Ascendion and Metlang follow closely, offering attractive compensation packages for skilled linguists.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Linguist jobs, highlighting CACI International with the highest at $125,666 and LIS Solutions with the lowest at $60,952.
  1. CACI International
    Average Salary: $125,666
    CACI International offers exciting opportunities for linguists. They work on projects that need language expertise. The company operates in many locations, including the United States and internationally. They focus on defense, intelligence, and civil sectors.


  2. Leidos
    Average Salary: $112,303
    Leidos provides a range of jobs for linguists. They work on important projects for government and commercial clients. The company has offices across the United States and in several other countries. Their work often involves national security and health.


  3. General Dynamics Information Technology
    Average Salary: $94,023
    General Dynamics Information Technology hires linguists for various projects. They focus on technology and systems for government and commercial clients. The company has offices in the United States and around the world. Their work includes defense, intelligence, and civil sectors.


  4. Ascendion
    Average Salary: $88,816
    Ascendion offers jobs for linguists in different areas. They work on projects that need language skills. The company has offices in the United States and internationally. Their work often involves government and commercial clients.


  5. Metlang
    Average Salary: $73,462
    Metlang provides opportunities for linguists. They work on translation and interpretation projects. The company operates in the United States and internationally. Their work often involves government and commercial clients.


  6. KACE Company
    Average Salary: $69,480
    KACE Company offers jobs for linguists. They work on projects that need language expertise. The company has offices in the United States and internationally. Their work often involves government and commercial clients.


  7. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $63,450
    Amazon Web Services offers jobs for linguists. They work on projects that need language skills. The company has offices in the United States and around the world. Their work often involves technology and systems.


  8. LIS Solutions
    Average Salary: $60,952
    LIS Solutions provides opportunities for linguists. They work on projects that need language expertise. The company operates in the United States and internationally. Their work often involves government and commercial clients.

How to earn more as a Linguist?

Linguists can find many ways to increase their earnings. They can specialize in high-demand languages or areas of expertise. They can also expand their skill set to include related fields. This can make them more valuable to employers. Networking and building a strong professional reputation can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can help. Staying current with industry trends and technologies can also make a linguist more competitive.

Another way to earn more is to seek out freelance or consulting work. This can provide additional income streams. It can also offer the flexibility to choose projects that align with one's interests and strengths. Continuing education and obtaining advanced degrees or certifications can also lead to higher-paying positions. This shows a commitment to the field and a desire to stay at the top of one's game. By focusing on these areas, linguists can position themselves for greater earning potential.

Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Specialize in high-demand languages or areas of expertise.
  2. Expand skill set to include related fields.
  3. Network and build a strong professional reputation.
  4. Seek out freelance or consulting work.
  5. Continue education and obtain advanced degrees or certifications.

Currently 52 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
52 Job Openings