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Foreign Language Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We're looking for a passionate professional with a strong foundation in foreign language instruction, advanced knowledge of adult learning methodologies, and a commitment to excellence. You will play ...

We're looking for a passionate professional with a strong foundation in foreign language instruction, advanced knowledge of adult learning methodologies, and a commitment to excellence. You will play ...

Foreign Language Teacher Purpose: The purpose of the Foreign Language Teacher is to teach the students in such a way that they will be able to speak, understand, write and read the language being ...

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Foreign Language information

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$17.5K

$58.8K

$81K

How much do foreign language jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for foreign language in the United States is $58,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are foreign language jobs?

Foreign language jobs are positions that require proficiency in one or more languages other than the native language of the country where the job is based. These roles can be found in a wide range of industries, including education, translation and interpretation, international business, tourism, government, and customer service. People in foreign language jobs use their language skills to communicate, facilitate cross-cultural understanding, translate documents, or interpret spoken language. Proficiency in a foreign language can open up unique career opportunities and is often highly valued by employers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foreign language teacher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foreign Language Teacher, you need advanced proficiency in the target language, a relevant degree, and often a teaching certification. Familiarity with language learning software, digital classroom platforms, and assessment tools is typically required. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability help engage students and create an effective learning environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for fostering language acquisition and supporting diverse learners in achieving fluency.

How do foreign language professionals typically collaborate with colleagues from other departments?

Foreign Language professionals often work closely with teams such as marketing, customer service, legal, and technical departments to ensure that communication is accurate and culturally appropriate. Collaboration may involve translating documents, interpreting during meetings, or providing cultural insights that inform business decisions. Being proactive and clear in communication helps streamline workflows, especially when working with colleagues who may not be fluent in the target language. This cross-functional teamwork is essential in global organizations to maintain consistency and effectiveness across all languages.

What is the difference between Foreign Language vs Translator?

AspectForeign LanguageTranslator
Required CredentialsLanguage proficiency, sometimes certificationsLanguage proficiency, translation certifications (e.g., ATA)
Work EnvironmentEducational, cultural, or personal settingsOffice, freelance, or agency-based translation work
Industry UsageLanguage learning, cultural exchange, educationLegal, medical, technical, and literary translation
Common Search/ComparisonForeign LanguageTranslator

Foreign Language refers to the skill of speaking or understanding a language other than one's native tongue, often for personal, educational, or cultural purposes. A Translator specializes in converting written or spoken content from one language to another, typically requiring specific certifications. While both roles involve language skills, Foreign Language is broader and encompasses language learning, whereas Translator is a professional role focused on translation services within various industries.

More about Foreign Language jobs

What cities are hiring for Foreign Language jobs?

Cities with the most Foreign Language job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Foreign Language jobs?

The most popular types of Foreign Language jobs are:

What states have the most Foreign Language jobs?

States with the most job openings for Foreign Language jobs include:

Infographic showing various Foreign Language job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,798 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Foreign Language Instructor

Central Intelligence Agency

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$85K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Summary
Foreign Language Instructors provide CIA officers with the foreign language skills and cross-cultural savviness needed to live and work abroad. They also conduct regular language proficiency testing.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
As a Foreign Language Instructor, you will deliver programs that provide intelligence professionals with the Foreign language communications skills and cross-cultural awareness they need to live and work abroad effectively or to perform other language-related duties. Foreign Language Instructors apply the latest instructional methodologies to meet highly customized student needs. You will also complete a language proficiency testing certification to conduct and rate language proficiency tests in three modalities: reading, speaking, and listening. In addition, you may be asked to provide a variety of language support services worldwide.
Foreign Language Instructors have advanced proficiency in at least one of the following languages:
  • BCS (Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian)
  • Chinese -Mandarin
  • Japanese
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Vietnamese

In addition to base salary, you can earn annual incentive pay based on the language and your language proficiency. Foreign Language Instructors who speak multiple languages may also qualify for additional incentive pay in varying amounts. Furthermore, new employees may qualify for a lump-sum hiring bonus.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • You must be physically in the United States or one of its territories when you submit your resume via MyLINK.
  • You must be registered for the Selective Service, if applicable.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age (dual-national US citizens are eligible).
  • You must be willing to move to the Washington, DC area.
  • You must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
  • For further requirements information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/cia-requirements/

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
  • Native-like proficiency in one or more of the languages listed above, as well as professional level ability in English. Candidates will be required to take proficiency tests in their claimed language/languages in reading, speaking and listening
  • Demonstrated ability to teach the language in the context of the culture of the region
  • Ability to use the latest technology and teaching methods
  • Ability to work well and collaborate within a team-teaching environment
  • Experience teaching language skills to adult learners, taking them from beginner to the general professional proficiency level in an intensive setting
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience living, working, and/or studying abroad

Education
  • Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields or related studies:
    • Education
    • Foreign Languages
    • Linguistics
  • At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale

Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.