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Cryptologic Linguist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CTC Group

$70K - $200K/yr

Summary CTC Group is seeking Chinese Mandarin language analysts who have held roles such as Cryptologic Linguist, Multidiscipline Language Analyst (MDLA), Operational Language Analyst (OLA), or ...

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$11K

$35.5K

How much do cryptologic linguist jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for cryptologic linguist in the United States is $35,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $35,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cryptologic Linguist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cryptologic Linguist, you need advanced language proficiency, strong analytical skills, and typically a high school diploma or higher, often accompanied by military training. Familiarity with signal analysis tools, translation software, and secure communication systems is required. Attention to detail, adaptability, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for accurately interpreting sensitive information and supporting national security missions.

What are some common challenges faced by Cryptologic Linguists in their daily work?

Cryptologic Linguists often encounter challenges such as rapidly analyzing large volumes of foreign language materials, maintaining accuracy under time pressure, and adapting to evolving technologies and dialects. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to work with sensitive information in secure environments, often as part of a multidisciplinary team. Effective communication and continuous training are essential to stay ahead of changes in language usage and cryptologic techniques.

What are cryptologic linguists?

Cryptologic linguists are specialized language experts who work primarily for military or government agencies to translate, analyze, and interpret foreign communications for intelligence purposes. They use their language skills to support national security by identifying important information from intercepted messages, conversations, or documents. Often, they also help decipher coded or encrypted materials and provide cultural insights that aid in understanding the context of the communications. This role requires proficiency in one or more foreign languages, as well as training in cryptology and intelligence gathering techniques.

What is the difference between Cryptologic Linguist vs Signals Intelligence Analyst?

AspectCryptologic LinguistSignals Intelligence Analyst
Required CredentialsLanguage proficiency, security clearance, military or government trainingSecurity clearance, analytical skills, military or government training
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, intelligence agencies, field operationsIntelligence centers, military installations, field sites
Employer & IndustryMilitary, government intelligence agenciesMilitary, government agencies, defense contractors

Both Cryptologic Linguists and Signals Intelligence Analysts work within military and intelligence environments, often requiring security clearances and specialized training. While Linguists focus on language translation and interpretation, Signals Analysts analyze intercepted signals and data. These roles are closely related and often collaborate, but their core functions differ in focus: language versus signal analysis.

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Cryptologic Linguist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cryptologic Linguist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,000 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Army Cryptologic Linguist (35P)

Army Cryptologic Linguist (35P)

U.S. Army

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

United States Army rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 468 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

Overview:
A cryptologic linguist (MOS 35P) in the U.S. Army identifies foreign language communications using signals equipment. The importance of this job is crucial, especially important in combat situations in foreign countries, where the ability to understand communications in other languages. But it involves a lot more than just translating and communicating foreign languages.
Cryptologic linguistis an entry-level, enlisted job. Duties performed by Soldiers in this MOS (military occupational specialty) include: 
  • Identifying foreign communications from an assigned geographic area and categorizing signals by activity type;
  • Analyzing foreign communication for information to support mission reporting requirements;
  • Recognizing changes in transmission modes and tipping the appropriate analytical or intercept authority;
  • Providing translation expertise to analysts;
  • Operating systems as needed to support signals Intelligence tasking, reporting, and coordination;
  • Providing gist, transcription, or translation of foreign communications.

Training:
Cryptologic linguist job training consists of 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and three to 52 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and in the field.
Training for an Army cryptologic analyst job takes place at the Defense Language Instiute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC), Presidio of Monterey in Monterey, California, and lasts between six and 18 months. The DLIFLC is a joint service school run by the Army, making it the primary foreign language training facility for the entire U.S. Department of Defense. Recruits who fluently speak a needed foreign language may be allowed to skip DLIFLC training. 

DLIFLC training is followed by advanced individual training.
Requirements:
  • To qualify for a job as a cryptologic linguist, recruits must score a 91 on  (ASVAB) in the Skilled Techincal (ST) area. The Army also evaluates recruits on the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB), to determine how well a native English speaker will be able to learn a new language. The DLAB score indicates the level of difficulty for language training. A DLAB qualifying score of 100 or above is required for this job.
  • Security Clearance: Top Secret
  • Cryptologic linguist in the Army must be free of color blindness, be U.S. citizens and have a qualifying score on the English Comprehension Level Test. Anyone who has served in the U.S. Peace Corps is not qualified. Recruits must have good voice quality and be able to speak English and an additional language fluently and idiomatically, without accent or impediment. It's not enough just to be able to speak the language, in other words.
  • A record of conviction by court-martial or civil court for any offense other than minor traffic violations removes a recruit from eligibility for the position of cryptologic linguist.
  • must be between the ages of 17-34
  • Similar civilian occupations to cryptologic linguist are interpreters and translators, radio operators, database administrators, computer operators, business operations specialists, and training and development specialists

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Arlington, VA, US

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