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Government Linguistics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Government Linguistics information

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$35.5K

How much do government linguistics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for government linguistics 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 is a government linguist?

Government linguists are professionals who use their language skills to support government agencies in areas such as translation, interpretation, language analysis, and intelligence work. They may work for organizations like the FBI, CIA, Department of Defense, or other federal and state agencies. Their duties often involve translating documents, interpreting conversations, and analyzing foreign communications to assist with law enforcement, national security, and diplomatic efforts. Government linguists play a key role in bridging language barriers and ensuring effective communication in sensitive and critical situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government linguist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Linguist, you need advanced proficiency in one or more foreign languages, strong analytical abilities, and a relevant degree or language certification. Familiarity with translation software, secure communication platforms, and government databases is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and discretion in handling sensitive information are standout soft skills. These competencies enable accurate, reliable communication and intelligence work critical for national security and effective governmental operations.

What are some common challenges faced by government linguists and how can they be addressed?

Government linguists often encounter challenges such as working with highly sensitive or classified material, adapting to rapidly changing priorities, and interpreting context-specific language accurately. These challenges require strong attention to detail, a high level of discretion, and the ability to collaborate closely with analysts, intelligence officers, or legal teams. Staying updated on linguistic trends and continually training in both language proficiency and cultural awareness can help linguists address these challenges effectively and contribute to mission success.

What is the difference between Government Linguistics vs Government Translator?

AspectGovernment LinguisticsGovernment Translator
Required CredentialsLanguage degrees, linguistics certifications, security clearancesLanguage degrees, translation certifications, security clearances
Work EnvironmentResearch, analysis, policy development in government agenciesTranslating documents, interpreting, facilitating communication in government settings
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment departments, intelligence agenciesGovernment agencies, diplomatic missions
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for language expertise roles in governmentFocuses on translation and interpretation tasks

Both roles require language proficiency and security clearances, but Government Linguistics emphasizes linguistic analysis and research, while Government Translators focus on translating and interpreting documents and speech. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path within government language services.

What do government linguistics do for the government?

Government linguists analyze and translate languages to support national security, intelligence, and diplomatic efforts. They may work on decoding communications, providing cultural expertise, and developing language-related tools, often requiring security clearances and proficiency in multiple languages.
More about Government Linguistics jobs

What cities are hiring for Government Linguistics jobs?

Cities with the most Government Linguistics job openings:

What states have the most Government Linguistics jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Government Linguistics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,000 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Portuguese Linguist, Corporate Language Support Services

Yorktown Systems Group, Inc.

Huntsville, AL โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Yorktown Systems Group, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, are a committed team of dedicated former military and civilian professionals who believe in providing ethical and quality services to Government customers. Our leadership team is composed primarily of Veterans who are now serving in a corporate environment rather than in uniform. Our customer's missions become our own and we are committed to working as a team to achieve success. Because of the depth and experiences of our corporate leadership, we can assure all our customers that "we will do what we say we can do" and will focus on our customer's missions rather than corporate goals. Our business model is based on a personal commitment from our leaders to maintain contact with our customers to continually and consistently gauge our performance. Yorktown Systems Group was founded on the idea that providing quality and ethical services with a laser focus on our customer's goals is an effective long-term business model. Our mission, therefore, is to help our customers meet their requirements and goals. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because such employee or applicant has inquired about, discussed, or disclosed the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant. This provision shall not apply to instances in which an employee who has access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of such employee's essential job functions discloses the compensation of such other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to such information, unless such disclosure is in response to a formal complaint or charge, in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or is consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. The Unconventional, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yorktown Systems Group, Inc.
Job Title
Portuguese Linguist, Corporate Language Support Services
Location
Remote Operations Support - Huntsville, AL 35806 US (Primary)
Remote TU Support - Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433 US
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.
Job Requirements
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 required
Security Clearance
Travel
Some travel may be required
Job Type
Full-Time
Exemption Type
Exempt
Category
Contractors
EEO STATEMENT Yorktown Systems Group, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, are an Equal Opportunity Employer. No employee or applicant for employment is denied equal opportunity because of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, any other non-merit-based factor, or other characteristics protected by law. As part of the company's equal employment opportunity policy, Yorktown Systems Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries, will also take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities. The Unconventional, LLC. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yorktown Systems Group, Inc.