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Government Linguist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spanish Linguist

Key West, FL · On-site

$88K - $115K/yr

... government intelligence partner is seeking a highly specialized Spanish Linguist for an elite ... onsite mission in Key West, FL. This critical role directly supports real-world intelligence ...

... and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and trusted ... Overview We are seeking a talented and dedicated linguist to join our team in support of the Texas ...

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How much do government linguist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for government linguist in the United States is $73,373.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a government linguist?

A Government Linguist is a professional who uses language skills to support government agencies in translation, interpretation, analysis, and intelligence gathering. They work with various languages to assist in national security, diplomacy, military operations, and law enforcement. Responsibilities may include translating documents, interpreting conversations, and analyzing foreign communications. Government linguists often need security clearances and may work domestically or internationally.

What does a government linguist do?

A Government Linguist’s day often involves translating documents, interpreting live conversations, and analyzing audio or written materials in a target language. Much of the work is done independently, but collaboration with analysts, field agents, or other linguists is common when tackling complex assignments or providing real-time interpretation. You may also participate in briefings, support ongoing investigations, or help with cultural context analysis. High attention to confidentiality and responsiveness to emerging priorities are hallmarks of this role. This blend of routine translation tasks and unpredictable urgent requests makes the environment dynamic and rewarding for language professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government linguist?

To thrive as a Government Linguist, you need advanced proficiency in at least one foreign language, excellent translation and interpretation skills, and a degree in linguistics or a related field. Familiarity with translation software, secure communication platforms, and relevant professional certifications such as DLPT (Defense Language Proficiency Test) scores are typically required. Strong attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to work well under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for delivering accurate language support on sensitive projects that directly impact government operations and security.

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What cities are hiring for Government Linguist jobs?

Cities with the most Government Linguist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Government Linguist jobs?

The most popular types of Government Linguist jobs are:

What states have the most Government Linguist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Government Linguist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Government Linguist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,373 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Estonian Linguist, Corporate Language Support Services

Yorktown Systems Group, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Summary: Yorktown Systems Group, Inc. (YSG) and The Unconventional (TU) are seeking qualified linguists to support current and future foreign language and linguistic requirements. These needs may include interpretation, translation, transcription, and other Linguistic Support Services (LSS) for the company, its current clients, and potential government contracts.

Responsibilities may involve providing interpretation services in both in-person and virtual settings; translating written, electronic, audio, and video materials; reviewing and editing documents; and delivering foreign language instruction in classroom or virtual environments. Additional linguistic services may be required as needs arise. This announcement is an open, evergreen requisition intended to support multiple current and future requirements across YSG and TU.

It is not tied to a specific client, project, organization, or location. Candidates who apply may be considered for a range of language support roles throughout the YSG/TU portfolio as opportunities become available.LSS Qualifications (Task Support Dependent): Must be qualified/certified at one of the two following categories: Category I (CAT I). Shall have a working proficiency (Interagency Linguist Roundtable (ILR) level 2+) in English

As proscribed at the task order level, a CAT I linguist may be locally hired, from a region outside of the Area of Operations (AO), i.e. a third country national, or a U.S. Citizen or person, and will not require a security clearance

All CAT I linguists will be security vetted by Government designated personnel. All CAT I linguists will be security vetted by Government designated personnel for determination if the linguist shall be allowed to work in that capacity. Category II (CAT II).

shall have a working proficiency in English (ILR level 2+). Unless otherwise authorized by the KO, CAT II linguists shall be U.S. citizens who have been security vetted by Government designated personnel

CAT II linguists may be granted interim access to SECRET by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) or other designated U.S. Government Personnel Security authority for the specific purpose of providing support under this contract. In the event interim access is granted, it is not transferable to other Government contracts or agencies

Category III (CAT III). shall meet at a minimum the criteria of ILR level 3 in English. CAT III linguists shall be able to understand the essentials of all speech in a standard dialect and have a sufficiently broad vocabulary such that he/she rarely has to ask for paraphrasing or explanation.

CAT III linguists shall be able to accurately follow the essentials of conversations between educated native speakers, reasonably make and answer telephone calls, understand radio broadcasts, news stories similar to wire service reports, oral reports, some oral technical reports and public addresses on non-technical subjects. CAT III linguists shall be U.S. citizens who either possess a TOP SECRET Security Clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI), or who, after prescribed counterintelligence review, have been granted by the U.S

Government, at a minimum, an interim TS clearance with interim access to SCI. Experience providing foreign language instruction to adult students. Shall have the ability to provide idiomatic translations of nontechnical material using correct syntax and expression from English to the foreign language, and Vice-versa.

Shall have the ability to conduct consecutive, accurate translation and interpretation of on-going conversations and/or activities. Shall have the familiarity with and ability to conduct oneself in accordance with the local culture and customs. Shall be willing and able to live and work in harsh environments, to include living and working in temporary facilities as mission dictates.

Shall have the ability to function effectively and efficiently during extended periods of high pressure and stress. Shall have the ability to function as an integral member of a team of highly trained professionals. Know specialized vocabulary (and terminology) in both English and the foreign language related to the Government's varied roles and missions.

Speak in English and foreign language fluently, including regionalisms and colloquial slang without altering meaning. Interpret in a manner that is factually and conceptually accurate without changes, omissions, or additions. Preserve the tone and register of source language materials.

*Additional linguist qualifications may be specified at the task order level based on mission requirements. Clearance: CAT I linguist shall be Local Nationals (LN) / Third Country Nationals (TCN) / uncleared U.S. Citizen and pass a background check

CAT II linguists and shall be U.S. Citizens and in possession of a SECRET SECURITY CLEARANCE. CAT III linguists shall be U.S

Citizens and possess a TOP SECRET SECURITY CLEARANCE with SCI access. Location: Remote / Various CONUS / Various CONUS Locations Travel: Some travel may be requiredLSS Qualifications (Task Support Dependent): Must be qualified/certified at one of the two following categories: Category I (CAT I). Shall have a working proficiency (Interagency Linguist Roundtable (ILR) level 2+) in English.

As proscribed at the task order level, a CAT I linguist may be locally hired, from a region outside of the Area of Operations (AO), i.e. a third country national, or a U.S. Citizen or person, and will not require a security clearance

All CAT I linguists will be security vetted by Government designated personnel. All CAT I linguists will be security vetted by Government designated personnel for determination if the linguist shall be allowed to work in that capacity. Category II (CAT II).

shall have a working proficiency in English (ILR level 2+). Unless otherwise authorized by the KO, CAT II linguists shall be U.S. citizens who have been security vetted by Government designated personnel

CAT II linguists may be granted interim access to SECRET by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) or other designated U.S. Government Personnel Security authority for the specific purpose of providing support under this contract. In the event interim access is granted, it is not transferable to other Government contracts or agencies

Category III (CAT III). shall meet at a minimum the criteria of ILR level 3 in English. CAT III linguists shall be able to understand the essentials of all speech in a standard dialect and have a sufficiently broad vocabulary such that he/she rarely has to ask for paraphrasing or explanation.

CAT III linguists shall be able to accurately follow the essentials of conversations between educated native speakers, reasonably make and answer telephone calls, understand radio broadcasts, news stories similar to wire service reports, oral reports, some oral technical reports and public addresses on non-technical subjects. CAT III linguists shall be U.S. citizens who either possess a TOP SECRET Security Clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI), or who, after prescribed counterintelligence review, have been granted by the U.S

Government, at a minimum, an interim TS clearance with interim access to SCI. Experience providing foreign language instruction to adult students. Shall have the ability to provide idiomatic translations of nontechnical material using correct syntax and expression from English to the foreign language, and Vice-versa.

Shall have the ability to conduct consecutive, accurate translation and interpretation of on-going conversations and/or activities. Shall have the familiarity with and ability to conduct oneself in accordance with the local culture and customs. Shall be willing and able to live and work in harsh environments, to include living and working in temporary facilities as mission dictates.

Shall have the ability to function effectively and efficiently during extended periods of high pressure and stress. Shall have the ability to function as an integral member of a team of highly trained professionals. Know specialized vocabulary (and terminology) in both English and the foreign language related to the Government's varied roles and missions.

Speak in English and foreign language fluently, including regionalisms and colloquial slang without altering meaning. Interpret in a manner that is factually and conceptually accurate without changes, omissions, or additions. Preserve the tone and register of source language materials.

*Additional linguist qualifications may be specified at the task order level based on mission requirements. Clearance: CAT I linguist shall be Local Nationals (LN) / Third Country Nationals (TCN) / uncleared U.S. Citizen and pass a background check

CAT II linguists and shall be U.S. Citizens and in possession of a SECRET SECURITY CLEARANCE. CAT III linguists shall be U.S

Citizens and possess a TOP SECRET SECURITY CLEARANCE with SCI access. Location: Remote / Various CONUS / Various CONUS Locations Travel: Some travel may be required