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$29

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How much do language preservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for language preservation in the United States is $29.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Language Preservation vs Language Documentation?

AspectLanguage PreservationLanguage Documentation
Primary FocusMaintaining and revitalizing endangered languagesRecording and describing language features
Required CredentialsLinguistics, anthropology, cultural studiesLinguistics, fieldwork experience
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, cultural organizations, field sitesResearch settings, fieldwork locations
Industry UsageLanguage revitalization projects, cultural preservationAcademic research, linguistic archives

Language Preservation focuses on revitalizing and maintaining endangered languages within communities, often involving cultural engagement. Language Documentation emphasizes recording and analyzing language data for research and archival purposes. Both roles require linguistic expertise and often overlap, but Preservation is more community-centered, while Documentation is research-oriented.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in language preservation, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in language preservation often encounter challenges such as limited resources, community engagement difficulties, and the lack of comprehensive documentation. Building trust and collaborative relationships with native speakers is essential for meaningful progress. Additionally, practitioners may need to balance academic rigor with culturally sensitive approaches, often working in interdisciplinary teams that include linguists, educators, and community members. Addressing these challenges typically involves securing funding, leveraging technology for documentation, and fostering local participation to ensure the sustainability of preservation efforts.

What is language preservation?

Language preservation refers to the efforts and activities aimed at documenting, maintaining, and revitalizing languages that are at risk of disappearing. This work often involves recording native speakers, creating educational materials, and promoting the use of the language within communities. The goal is to ensure that endangered languages continue to be spoken and passed down to future generations, maintaining cultural heritage and diversity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Language Preservation, and why are they important?

To excel in Language Preservation, strong linguistic knowledge, cultural competency, and experience in documentation methods are essential, often supported by a degree in linguistics or anthropology. Familiarity with audio recording technology, transcription software, and database management systems is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and cross-cultural sensitivity help build trust with language communities and facilitate effective collaboration. These abilities are crucial for accurately documenting endangered languages and supporting revitalization efforts that depend on community engagement and technical expertise.
Infographic showing various Language Preservation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,552 per year, or $29.6 per hour.
Language Program Manager

Language Program Manager

Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians

Coos Bay, OR • On-site

$74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
SUMMARY
The Language Program Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Tribe's Language Program. This position is responsible for program planning, grant administration, staff supervision, curriculum development, and community engagement to ensure the effective documentation, transmission, and promotion of Tribe's three heritage languages: miluk, hanis, and sha'yuusht??a u? quuiich. The Manager works collaboratively with speakers, Elders, linguists, language teachers, educators, and community members to advance culturally grounded language revitalization efforts that support intergenerational learning and Tribal sovereignty.
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provides strategic direction and day-to-day management of the Tribe's Language Program.
  • Develops and implements short- and long-term strategic goals for language preservation and revitalization.
  • Supervises Language Program staff, interns, and volunteers, including hiring recommendations, mentorship, scheduling, performance evaluations, and professional development.
  • Fosters a collaborative, culturally respectful, and trauma-informed team environment.
  • Coordinates and participates in the transcription, translation, documentation, and archiving of historical and contemporary language materials.
  • Collaborates with language teachers/linguists, speakers, and knowledge keepers in a culturally appropriate manner to ensure accurate documentation and preservation of traditional language use.
  • Oversees the development, organization, and long-term stewardship of the Tribe's digital language archive and database, ensuring that linguistic materials, recordings, and documentation are preserved in accordance with Tribal cultural protocols, data sovereignty principles, and appropriate access controls.
  • Identifies funding opportunities; prepares and submits competitive grant proposals to support language initiatives.
  • Manages grant budgets, tracks expenditures, ensures compliance with funding requirements, and submits timely reports.
  • Maintains accurate program records and provides regular updates to Tribal leadership, committees, and funders.
  • Partners with Tribal elders, schools, families, and community members to ensure culturally appropriate programming.
  • Coordinates community language classes, workshops, immersion opportunities, and outreach events.
  • Oversees development and delivery of culturally appropriate language curriculum and instructional materials for all age groups.
  • Promotes awareness of language revitalization efforts across the community and within Tribal government.
  • Serves as a liaison between the Language Program and other Tribal departments, Tribes, schools, agencies, and external partners.
  • Collaborates efficiently and effectively while consistently demonstrating professionalism and maintaining positive, respectful relationships with internal teams, external partners, and Tribal members.
  • Performs other duties as directed by management.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY & RESTRICTIONS:
  • Direct supervisory authority over Language Program personnel.
  • Authority to manage assigned program budgets and grant funding.
  • Authority to make operational decisions within approved policies and strategic direction.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS:
  • May be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds.
  • Must be able to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance as needed for listed duties.
  • Must be able to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and community interactions in a dynamic environment.
  • Capacity to engage with culturally sensitive materials and discussions in a trauma-informed and culturally grounded manner, recognizing and appropriately navigating the emotional impacts associated with historical language suppression and intergenerational trauma.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENT:
  • Will require working occasional nights and/or weekends.
  • Moderate noise level with frequent interruptions and distractions.
  • Must be willing and able to travel both locally and within the CTCLUSI service delivery area.

Requirements
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be at least 25 years of age per vehicle use policy.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and be able to be insured to drive Tribal Government vehicles.
  • Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, Native American Studies, Education or related field.
  • Minimum three (3) years' experience in language preservation or revitalization, program management, or a related area.
  • Demonstrated experience learning, teaching, or supporting multilingual language environments, preferably including Indigenous language revitalization.
  • Familiarity with Indigenous language documentation tools and software.
  • Understanding of the role of language revitalization in supporting intergenerational knowledge transmission, cultural continuity, and community well-being.
  • Demonstrated care and responsibility in the stewardship of Indigenous knowledge, including respecting Tribal data sovereignty and appropriate access to cultural and linguistic materials.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to cultural protocols when working with sensitive or culturally significant materials.
  • Demonstrated experience managing grants and program budgets.
  • Strong leadership and supervisory experience.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, verbally, in writing or by other acceptable means.
  • This position is considered a covered role per the CTCLUSI Background Investigations Policy. A state criminal background check and fingerprint-based background check will be required as a condition of employment.
  • This position is designated as safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and other authorized drug and alcohol testing in accordance with company policy. Please note that the use of marijuana is prohibited for employees in this position, regardless of state legalization status.
  • Must have employment eligibility in the U.S.
  • Indian preference will be observed in the hiring process.

Salary Description
$74,159.64/DOE

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