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Foreign Language Analyst information

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$41K

$100.1K

$154.5K

How much do foreign language analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for foreign language analyst in the United States is $100,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Foreign Language Analysts?

Foreign Language Analysts are professionals who use their proficiency in one or more foreign languages to analyze, interpret, and translate spoken or written material. They often work for government agencies, intelligence organizations, or multinational corporations, where they help decode and understand communications in foreign languages. Their role may include translating documents, monitoring foreign media, and providing cultural context to support decision-making and security efforts. Strong linguistic skills, cultural awareness, and analytical abilities are essential for this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Foreign Language Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foreign Language Analyst, you need advanced proficiency in at least one foreign language, strong analytical abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree, often in linguistics or international studies. Familiarity with translation software, transcription tools, and secure communication systems is typically required, and certifications such as DLPT (Defense Language Proficiency Test) scores may be expected. Exceptional attention to detail, cultural awareness, and strong problem-solving skills help analysts excel in interpreting and contextualizing sensitive information. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing accurate intelligence and supporting effective decision-making in national security or international affairs.

What are some common challenges faced by Foreign Language Analysts in their daily work?

Foreign Language Analysts often encounter challenges such as interpreting nuanced or idiomatic language, keeping up with rapidly evolving slang or jargon, and working with incomplete or poor-quality audio or text. The role frequently requires quick turnaround times and high accuracy, which can be stressful, especially when handling sensitive or classified information. Additionally, Analysts must collaborate closely with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, including intelligence officers and technical specialists, to provide contextually accurate translations and analyses.

What is the difference between Foreign Language Analyst vs Translator?

AspectForeign Language AnalystTranslator
Required CredentialsLanguage proficiency, security clearance (if applicable), sometimes specialized certificationsLanguage proficiency, translation certifications (e.g., ATA certification)
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, intelligence, defense, or corporate securityPublishing, legal, medical, or business sectors
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily government and defense sectorsPrivate companies, translation agencies, freelance work
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in security or intelligence contextsFinding translation services or careers in language conversion

While both roles require strong language skills, a Foreign Language Analyst typically works in security or intelligence settings analyzing foreign communications, whereas a Translator focuses on converting written content between languages for various industries. The roles differ mainly in job focus and work environment, though both require proficiency in multiple languages and relevant certifications.

More about Foreign Language Analyst jobs
What cities are hiring for Foreign Language Analyst jobs? Cities with the most Foreign Language Analyst job openings:
What states have the most Foreign Language Analyst jobs? States with the most job openings for Foreign Language Analyst jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Foreign Language Analyst jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Foreign Language Analyst jobs are:
Foreign Language Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foreign Language Analyst job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,058 per year, or $48.1 per hour.
Chinese Mandarin Operational Language Analyst- I-IV

Chinese Mandarin Operational Language Analyst- I-IV

RBR-Technologies

Linthicum Heights, MD

$96K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 hours ago

Job description

RBR-Technologies is a small service-disabled veteran-owned information and technology business founded on the basic principle of delivering customer mission success. RBR-technologies prides itself on our commitment to mission success as exemplified by the trust our customers and contract partners place in us. From RBR's first employee to the present day, every team member has a passion for mission success. Since 2011, we have continued to employ the highest caliber of professionals whose success is attributed to the intelligence, dedication, and years ofexperience within many government organizations including the Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Defense (DoD), and Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).

RBR-Technologies is seeking Chinese Mandarin Operational Language Analysts to support one of our customers in Maryland.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chinese Operational Language Analyst will be located at FT Meade, Maryland and transcribes and/or translates source material, both printed and audio, provides analysis and reporting of translated foreign language source material, and quality control of junior linguists. They typically work as part of or may lead a team of linguists supporting operations CONUS or OCONUS. Must be a U. S. citizen and able to obtain a customer granted security clearance. Must possess native or near native proficiency in the foreign language, typically a 3/3 on the DLPT.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Recover Essential Elements of Information from foreign language audio and graphic language materials. Prepares and updates operational working aids and databases.
  • Transcribes and translates complex and sophisticated foreign language audio and graphic language materials into good grammatical English. Prepares and updates databases of translated source material.
  • Gist complex and sophisticated audio and/or graphic foreign language material.
  • Scan and sort/categorize foreign language materials.
  • Perform quality control review of translations and/or transcripts of complex and sophisticated audio and/or graphic foreign language material.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Active TS/SCI w/ polygraph required to be considered

Junior Language Analyst

  • Must have a minimum of two (2) years of full-time transcription, translation or other language-related cryptologic experience.
  • High School Diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED), or equivalent.
  • Performance at Level 2 in Chinese listening and reading as defined by the Interagency
  • Language Roundtable (ILR) or Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) is required.
  • Must have demonstrated superior and professional competency in their previous assignments and positions.

Intermediate Language Analyst

  • Must have a minimum of four (4) years of full-time transcription, translation or other language-related cryptologic experience.
  • Two (2) of the four (4) years of experience within the last four (4) years.
  • AA degree/AS degree or 2 years of additional related experience is required.
  • Performance at Level 3 in listening or reading as defined by the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) or Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) is required.

Senior Language Analyst

  • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent (In lieu of the bachelor's degree, an additional four (4) years of experience may be substituted)
  • Must have a minimum of ten (10) years of full-time transcription, translation or other language-related cryptologic experience.
  • One (1) year of experience performing quality control review of ILR 3 audio and/or graphic foreign language material.
  • Performance at Level 3 in listening or reading as defined by the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) or Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) is required.

Expert Language Analyst

  • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent (In lieu of the bachelor's degree, an additional four (4) years of experience may be substituted)
  • Must have fifteen (15) years of full-time transcription, translation or other language-related cryptologic experience.
  • Three (3) year of experience performing quality control review of ILR 3 audio and/or graphic foreign language material.
  • Performance, within the last two (2) years, at Level 3 in listening AND reading as defined by the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) or Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) is required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Military experience as a cryptologic linguist

A career at RBR-Technologies doesn't mean you have to make sacrifices in other areas of your life.

  • Best in class health benefits plan
  • Generous 401k with matching
  • Flexible work policies and schedules (dependent upon contract)
  • Generous Paid Time Off + All Federal Holidays
  • Special paid leave for: Bereavement, Voting, Military, and more
  • Paid Volunteer Hours for Community Outreach
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Family-Friendly Company Paid Events
  • Annual Pet Insurance Benefit

Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at RBR-Technologies, where employment is based on personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any protected characteristic as established by law. This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and procedures relating to recruitment, employment, promotion, transfer, training, working conditions, compensation, benefits, termination, and all other conditions of employment.

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