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Foreign Language Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We employ experienced bilingual professionals with advanced or expert level foreign language fluency in over 100 languages and dialects. Cleared Spanish Analytic Linguists are responsible for ...

We employ experienced bilingual professionals with advanced or expert level foreign language fluency in over 100 languages and dialects. Cleared Spanish Analytic Linguists are responsible for ...

$33 - $36/hr

A score of 573 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), PBT, or TOEFL iBT score as ... reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential ...

$33 - $36/hr

A score of 573 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), PBT, or TOEFL iBT score as ... reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential ...

$34 - $35/hr

A score of 573 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), PBT, or TOEFL iBT score as ... reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential ...

Conduct legal analysis of content moderation, platform liability, and related issues across global ... Foreign language proficiency (e.g., German, French, Italian, Hebrew) is a plus Why This Opportunity

Litigation Associate

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$310K - $390K/yr

Conduct legal analysis of content moderation, platform liability, and related issues across global ... Foreign language proficiency (e.g., German, French, Italian, Hebrew) is a plus Why This Opportunity

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Foreign Language Analyst information

See California salary details

$40.5K

$98.7K

$152.5K

How much do foreign language analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for foreign language analyst in California is $98,748.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $118,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foreign language analyst?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a foreign language analyst?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Foreign Language Analyst jobs in California?

For Foreign Language Analyst jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Foreign Language Analyst job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,748 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Cleared Spanish Analytic Linguist

Metlang

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

$40.05/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Metlang is a veteran owned provider of interpretation, translation, and monitoring services to the law enforcement community nationwide. Since 1990, Metlang has been the nation’s leading provider of interpretation, translation, and monitoring services to the United States Department of Justice nationwide. We employ experienced bilingual professionals with advanced or expert level foreign language fluency in over 100 languages and dialects.

Cleared Spanish Analytic Linguists are responsible for monitoring, transcribing, translating, interpreting, and analyzing source material assisting law enforcement with their investigations into narco-trafficking, counterfeiting, terrorism, fraud and money laundering. Metlang offers rewarding project-based employment on-site. We take pride in building long-term relationships with our employees while providing outstanding benefits and competitive weekly pay. The Cleared Spanish Analytic Linguist position offers $40.05 per hour, major medical insurance (pending eligibility), 401k retirement account, 1 hour of sick time for every 40 hours worked (or as per local requirements), up to 10 paid vacation days, and 11 paid federal holidays.

Primary Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Monitor: To listen to or read foreign language communications, then subsequently type summaries into the English language.
  • Transcribe: To render the spoken word of a language into the written form of the same language.
  • Translate: To render the spoken or written word of one language into the written form of another language.
  • Interpret: To translate orally either consecutively or simultaneously from source language to target language.
  • Analyze: To examine methodically and in detail the constitution of information for purposes of explanation and interpretation.

Requirements:

  • Federal Clearance
  • Clear, concise, effective written and spoken communication skills in English and Spanish
  • Ability to summarize and translate audio and text, including slang and colloquialisms, in a real time manner
  • Demonstrate prior interpreting and/or translating experience in a professional or personal setting
  • Adequately prioritize tasks while demonstrating attention to detail and organization skills
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, social media, text message terminology in English and Spanish
  • Typing abilities to exceed 40 words per minute
  • Capable of adapting well under pressure and functioning cohesively in a team environment
  • Availability to work a rotating schedule
  • Candidates must pass writing, reading, listening, and speaking language tests in English and Spanish or provide prior test results as required by contract
  • Availability to work full time locally and travel outside your area for extended periods a plus

Applicants selected will be subject to a Government security background investigation and must meet eligibility and suitability requirements.

Physical Demands:
These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Cleared Spanish Analytic Linguist job. They include the ability to talk, hear, see, sit for extended periods of time, use hands and fingers to handle and manipulate keys on a keyboard or telephone pad, stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, or crouch. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the Cleared Spanish Analytic Linguist Position.

Metlang is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran or disability.

At Metlang LLC/Metropolitan Interpreters and Translators, Inc., we are committed to maintaining an environment of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided on this website, please contact our Human Resources Department at: 1-800-421-0303 for further assistance.

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