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Cryptologic Linguist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Kurdish Linguists

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Kurdish Linguist Make a Global Impact - Join the Mission at Leidos Are you ready to apply your linguistic expertise to meaningful work that directly supports national security? At Leidos , we bring ...

Leidos

Kurdish Linguists

Chantilly, VA

Kurdish Linguist Make a Global Impact - Join the Mission at Leidos Are you ready to apply your linguistic expertise to meaningful work that directly supports national security? At Leidos , we bring ...

SOSi

Exotic Language Linguists

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The Linguist will listen to oral and/or electronic communication intercepts or other digital media in English and in foreign languages and provide an immediate oral summary in English, followed by a ...

SOSi

Exotic Language Linguists

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The Linguist will listen to oral and/or electronic communication intercepts or other digital media in English and in foreign languages and provide an immediate oral summary in English, followed by a ...

Leidos

Senior Arabic Linguists

Chantilly, VA

TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required We are currently seeking a highly skilled Arabic Linguist to join our mission-driven team. This position requires a language professional capable of ...

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Cryptologic Linguist information

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$11K

$35.5K

How much do cryptologic linguist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 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.

How much do FBI linguists get paid?

FBI linguists typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, language proficiency, and security clearance level. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and years of service, and they often include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

How much does a cryptologic linguist make?

A cryptologic linguist's salary varies based on experience, location, and security clearance level, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually. Military cryptologic linguists may earn additional benefits and allowances, while civilian positions often require proficiency in multiple languages and security certifications.

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 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 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.

How much do CIA linguists make?

CIA linguists typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, language difficulty, and security clearance level. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses for specialized skills or language proficiency.

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.

More about Cryptologic Linguist jobs
What cities are hiring for Cryptologic Linguist jobs? Cities with the most Cryptologic Linguist job openings:
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Who are the top companies hiring for Cryptologic Linguist jobs? The top employers for Cryptologic Linguist jobs are:
What states have the most Cryptologic Linguist jobs? States with the most job openings for Cryptologic Linguist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cryptologic Linguist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cryptologic Linguist jobs are:
Cryptologic Linguist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cryptologic Linguist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,000 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Portuguese, Dutch, Italian & German Linguists (Secret Clearance)

SOSi

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Founded in 1989, SOSi is among the largest private, founder-owned technology and services integrators in the defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and trusted results to enable national security missions worldwide.
Job Description
Overview
SOSi is seeking Portuguese or Dutch Linguists to join our team supporting all duties assigned to communicate and translate within our customer's requirements.
Languages can also include Castilian Spanish, Finnish, Flemish, French, Greek, Norwegian, Polish, and Swedish.
Essential Job Duties
  • All Linguists will be capable of satisfactorily performing various linguistic functions and duties throughout a shift as described below for monitoring, organizing, categorizing, translating, transcribing, interpreting, performing quality control, and validating services. Linguists will be responsible for monitoring varying numbers of communication intercepts during any given shift.
  • The Linguist will listen to oral and/or electronic communication intercepts or other digital media in English and in foreign languages and provide an immediate oral summary in English, followed by a hand-written or typed (as instructed by the Linguistic Supervisor) summary in English in a format specified by the government customer. The Linguist shall review the summary for accuracy.
  • The Linguist will operate equipment such directed by customer personnel, to include recording and playback equipment, televisions, computers, digital T2S2 systems and/or other equipment as required.
  • The Linguist will prepare a summary of each intercept to include, but not limited to, a hand written or typed synopsis (gist) in English that is grammatically correct; date and time of recording; and other relevant information as instructed by the Linguistic Supervisor.
  • The Linguist will correctly identify the conversant(s) through use of a voice library and/or from the context of the conversation.
  • The Linguist will enter the summary into a digital medium when required.
  • The Linguist will sign all gists, summary logs, or documents that are prepared as may be required.
  • The Linguist will digitally initial all files, transcripts, translations or other work products, which is to be witnessed by another person as may be required.
  • The Linguist will maintain a list of slang words and codes used by the conversants for the duration of the communications intercept.
  • The Linguist will prepare digital copies for storage, as directed by the COR for all intercepted communication.
  • The Linguist will perform administrative duties related to the above duties, such as arranging log sheets, gists, and/or summaries into binders and/or file folders; copying and assembling related paperwork and reporting.
  • Linguists will have the ability to understand the specific tasks being processed and produced.
  • Linguists will understand and comply with all Court regulations concerning minimization procedures.
  • The Translator/Transcriber shall prepare an English translation and/or transcription from a variety of English or foreign language source exhibits including, but not limited to, audio and video cassette; recorded conversations; facsimile documents; handwritten and/or typed materials such as legal documents, diaries, computerized printouts; computer disks; personal paper; maps; charts; ledgers; and notes. Material to be translated and/or transcribed shall be determined by the COR and assigned to the linguist through the Linguistic Supervisor.
  • The Translator/Transcriber shall correctly identify the conversant(s) through use of a voice library and/or from the context of the conversation.
  • The Translator/Transcriber shall type all transcripts unless instructed to hand write a transcript.
  • The Translator/Transcriber shall type in the foreign language, in English or both verbatim, free of typographical errors, and without the omission of a word or words (the words spoken on the source recording, or the words written on the source document). The transcript shall be in a format specified by the government customer. A source document may be a map, chart, or other type of written information.
  • The Translator/Transcriber shall utilize a format closely resembling the original document if the original document is a source document such as a map, chart or other type of written information.
  • The Translator/Transcriber shall utilize correct grammar and punctuation in all English transcripts.
  • The Translator/Transcriber's Linguistic Supervisor shall provide the COR with a printed typed copy of the transcript and the computer media in a time frame established by the COR.
  • The Translator/Transcriber shall enter a file title that is a combination of the intercept identification number, the call number, and any other unique identifier prescribed by the customer onto the printed transcript.
  • The Translator/Transcriber shall perform administrative duties related to the tasking, such as arranging gists and/or summaries into binders and/or file folders; copying and assembling related paperwork.
  • The Translator/Transcriber shall have the ability to understand the specific tasks being processed and /or produced.

Interpreter Duties
  • The Interpreter shall orally and consecutively interpret a foreign into English and English into a foreign language.
  • The Interpreter shall make notes of the interpretation and provide notes to the Linguistic Supervisor or COR, as requested.

Validation Duties
  • A Linguist, other than the Linguist performing the original work, shall validate a transcript by comparing the completed transcript and/or translation to the source media (such as cassette recording, compact disks, MO Disk, or documents) to ensure that the final work is verbatim, and that the translation presents a true rendering in English.
  • The Linguist who conducted the validation shall sign a statement on the final document attesting to the accuracy of the final work.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level security clearance.
  • Bachelor's Degree or a minimum of 4 years of combined work and educational experience.
  • Candidate must successfully undergo and pass a language assessment in the four main categories: speaking, listening, reading, and writing in both native tongue and English.
  • Additional Linguist requirements are as follows:
  • Excellent command of the English language and have the ability to provide clear, concise, oral and written communications.
  • Skills necessary to listen to and comprehend a foreign language with native or near-native ability, and to follow accurately the basic elements of conversation, whether written or verbal.
  • Skills necessary to read and comprehend a foreign language with a native or near-native ability, and to read and understand various text-types.
  • Ability to comprehend slang and colloquial expressions in a foreign language and translate them into their English equivalent.
  • A sufficiently broad vocabulary in English that paraphrasing or explaining is unnecessary.
  • Ability to work well under pressure to meet specific deadlines.
  • A minimum of 40 wpm typing/word processing skills. The Government may waive the basic typing skill proficiency level under extenuating circumstances. The COR will evaluate the circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
  • Ability to understand the specific tasks being processed and produced.
  • Ability to effectively understand face-to-face speech with sufficiently broad vocabulary that paraphrasing, or explanations are unnecessary.
  • Portuguese or Dutch language fluency is required with verification of language skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Major or study in the appropriate foreign language preferred.

Additional Information
Work Environment
  • Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Part-time to Full Time shift-based work as required to fulfill required deadlines.
  • Work can include Monday - Sunday coverage.
  • Flexibility to support during site's shift hours of 8:00am - 4:30pm and 3:30pm - 12:00am, as long as deadline(s) are met.
  • Not eligible for remote work unless required and approved by the customer.

Working at SOSi
All interested individuals will receive consideration and will not be discriminated against for any reason.

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