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Cryptologic Linguist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cryptologic Linguist information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$35K

How much do cryptologic linguist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for cryptologic linguist in California is $34,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $34,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cryptologic linguist?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a cryptologic linguist?

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 challenges do cryptologic linguists face 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 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.

How much does a cryptologic linguist make?

A cryptologic linguist's salary varies based on experience, rank, and location, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually. Military cryptologic linguists often receive additional benefits such as housing allowances and security clearances, and salaries can increase with specialized skills and certifications.

What does a cryptologic linguist do?

A cryptologic linguist analyzes and interprets foreign language communications for intelligence purposes, often working with encrypted data, signals, or documents. They use language skills, cryptographic tools, and specialized training to support national security and military operations.

What job categories do people searching Cryptologic Linguist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cryptologic Linguist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cryptologic Linguist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cryptologic Linguist job openings:

Infographic showing various Cryptologic Linguist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,541 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Linguistics & Language Development Instructor Pool

San José State University

San Jose, CA • On-site

$8.5K - $10K/mo

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Linguistics & Language Development Instructor Pool

Apply now Job no: 528355
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: San Jose
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Faculty - Letters/Humanities, Temporary, Part Time

 

Department Summary

The Department of Linguistics and Language Development at San Jose State University invites applicants to join our pool of linguistics instructors. The Department offers a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, and MA in Linguistics, and an MA in TESOL. In collaboration with the Department of Computer Science, we also offer a BS in Computer Science and Linguistics. For this pool, we are interested in instructors especially for our lower-division GE courses (LING 20, LING 21, LING 22, LING 24, LING 25, and LING 26), upper-division GE courses (LING 122, LING 123, and LING 129), and major courses.

SJSU is the only CSU campus in northern California with a dedicated linguistics department, founded in 1991. Situated in the Bay Area - among the most diverse regions in the world - the Department is committed to fostering understandings of language structure and use in the context of an increasingly multicultural and technological society.

Brief Description of Duties

Teach lower-division GE courses in linguistics such as LING 20 (Nature of Language), LING 21 (Language and Thinking), LING 22 (Language across the Lifespan), LING 24 (Language Variation in Space, Time, and Culture), LING 25 (Languages of the World), and LING 26 (Quantitative Reasoning in Linguistic Diversity). Note that LING 26 requires expertise in quantitative methods. With relevant education and experience, candidates may teach upper division GE, such as LING 122 (English as a World Language), LING 123 (Sound and Communication), and LING 129 (Culture, Language, and Ethnicity in the U.S.). With a terminal degree or relevant professional expertise, candidates may teach upper-division major courses. See https://catalog.sjsu.edu/. This assignment enriches the undergraduate curriculum in both General Education and the Linguistics major.

Successful candidates will demonstrate awareness of and address the needs of a student population of great diversity - including age, abilities, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, economic background, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and academic preparation - through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies and advisement. Faculty at SJSU shall organize all their classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). All classes must be offered and meet as scheduled throughout the entire semester or term, in the mode assigned and listed in the schedule of classes (i.e., asynchronous, synchronous, bichronous, in-person, or hybrid).

Required Qualifications

  • MA in Linguistics or related field
  • Expertise in quantitative (statistical) methods (for LING 26 only)
  • Knowledge of the subject matter of the discipline to which the individual may be assigned
  • Ability to teach and evaluate post-secondary learners
  • Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a multicultural population as might have been gained in cross-cultural study, training, teaching and other comparable experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • For teaching upper-division courses, a PhD in Linguistics or a closely related discipline
  • Demonstrated teaching excellence in a two- or four-year college/university environment

Compensation

Compensation and salary range placement are determined by qualifications and experience. To learn more about range placement, please see University Policy S21-2.

Anticipated starting salary:

L-A / Range 2 - $5507 - $5959
L-B / Range 3 - $6221 - $7481
L-C / Range 4 - $6825 - $9431
L-D / Range 5 - $8593 - $10347

Range salaries above are the anticipated monthly salary rate of full-time AY faculty--part-time rates are prorated. There are 6 monthly payments per semester (full-time AY annual salary = rate x 12). See the Faculty Salary Schedule for more information.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

  • CV
  • Cover Letter
  • List of at least three (3) or as many as five (5) references
  • Teaching statement: philosophy, approaches, and courses you are qualified to teach

This is a continuing open position.

Employment Conditions

Faculty employees must complete CSU employee training as assigned and required based on their role (e.g., preventing discrimination and harassment, gender equity and Title IX, health and safety). Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, the faculty member in this position will subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). Individuals designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and to complete Clery Act training as determined by the University Clery Director. Questions regarding CSA designation and training can be sent to the Clery Director at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu. The President may recommend or require compliance with safety measures that decrease the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission or illness and allows the core mission and activities of the campus to continue.

Conditional Offer

The work for this faculty position is located in the State of California and requires commuting to the campus. Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Offers of employment are conditional, and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Appointment is contingent upon budget and enrollment considerations and subject to order of assignment provisions in the collective bargaining agreement between California State University and California Faculty Association. These provisions state the order in which available courses must be assigned to faculty, starting with tenure line faculty and ending with new lecturer appointees.

San Jose State University: Silicon Valley's Public University

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley-one of the most innovative and diverse regions in the world-San Jose State University is the founding campus of the 23-campus California State University (CSU) system and the first public university in the West. Recognized as a national leader in transformative higher education, San Jose State University is an essential contributor to the economic, cultural, and social development of Silicon Valley, the Bay Area, and California. SJSU ranks high nationally in research funding and is second highest in research productivity in the CSU system. Cutting-edge research, combined with world-class scholarship, student-centered learning opportunities, and experiential and interdisciplinary programs, allows SJSU to provide transformative opportunities that advance the public good locally and globally.

San Jose State enrolls more than 36,000 students - many are historically underserved, and around 45% are first-generation and 38% are Pell-recipients. SJSU is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander (AANAPISI) Serving Institution. The university's commitment to social justice extends from its vibrant, inclusive campus to an international network of over 275,000 alumni. As such, San Jose State is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty so our disciplines, students, and community can benefit from different and divergent cultural and identity perspectives.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of Age, Ancestry, Caste, Color, Disability, Ethnicity, Gender, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Military Status, Nationality, Race, Religion, Religious Creed, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Sex Stereotype, and Veteran Status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff as well as University programs and activities. Reasonable accommodations are made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. Note that all San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Advertised: May 24, 2023 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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