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Military Linguist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System Soft Technologies

Spanish Linguist

Key West, FL · On-site

$88K - $115K/yr

Job Title : Spanish Linguist (Active Secret Clearance) Location: Key West, FL (100% Onsite ... This critical role directly supports real-world intelligence operations alongside major military ...

Via Logic LLC

Russian Linguist

Reston, VA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Intelligence Community, military operations, or law enforcement environments. * Ability to ... Our linguists play an integral role in shaping global security. Ready to Elevate Your Career? If ...

CSM Solutions Inc

Linguist Tamachek

Augusta, GA

... support of military interrogations, intelligence collection, and other operational missions ... linguist?s opinion given to the supported organization or agency as to the most likely meaning ...

Leidos

Chechen Linguist

Reston, VA

BA/BS and/or equivalent formal military training and 4-8 years of prior relevant experience or ... Linguists who are proficient in multiple languages are strongly desired. At Leidos, the ...

CSM Solutions Inc

Linguist-Spanish

Augusta, GA · On-site

$31 - $33/hr

... support of military interrogations, intelligence collection, and other operational missions ... linguist?s opinion given to the supported organization or agency as to the most likely meaning ...

CSM Solutions Inc

Linguist Acholi

Augusta, GA · On-site

... support of military interrogations, intelligence collection, and other operational missions ... linguist?s opinion given to the supported organization or agency as to the most likely meaning ...

Amentum

Persian-Farsi Linguist

Augusta, GA · On-site

$31.25 - $33.25/hr

S. military operations primarily in an assigned area of responsibility. Linguists will contribute an assortment of language services and will be responsible for providing cultural perspective and ...

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Military Linguist information

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$52K

$73.4K

$95.5K

How much do military linguist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for military 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 military linguist?

Military linguists are professionals in the armed forces who specialize in translating, interpreting, and analyzing foreign languages. They play a vital role in intelligence gathering, communication, and cultural understanding during military operations. Military linguists may work in a variety of settings, including field operations, intelligence units, or in support of diplomatic missions. Their skills help bridge language barriers and enhance the effectiveness of military missions. Training and language proficiency requirements vary depending on the specific role and branch of service.

What does a military linguist do?

As a military linguist, your responsibilities are to translate for the army as you bolster their communication with foreign entities. Your duties require you to interpret highly classified documents and information that aids armed forces with tactical missions. You also monitor the attitudes of locals in military occupied areas. Your skills require an in-depth knowledge of languages. While this language changes based on the area the military currently occupies, there are specific languages that make you a more critical asset. You uncover valuable information for the military while maintaining good relationships with foreign entities in this position.

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

To thrive as a Military Linguist, you need advanced proficiency in one or more foreign languages, a strong grasp of military terminology, and often a relevant degree or successful completion of the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT). Familiarity with translation software, secure communication systems, and intelligence analysis tools is usually required. Exceptional attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate translation and interpretation, which directly support mission success and operational security.

What are some common challenges military linguists face when translating in high-pressure environments?

Military linguists often work in fast-paced, high-stakes situations where accuracy and speed are both critical. Challenges include interpreting complex dialects or slang, understanding cultural nuances, and handling sensitive or classified information responsibly. Additionally, linguists may need to adapt quickly to changing mission priorities and collaborate closely with intelligence, operations, and command teams to ensure effective communication and mission success.

What is the difference between Military Linguist vs Interpreter?

AspectMilitary LinguistInterpreter
CredentialsLanguage proficiency, security clearance, military trainingLanguage proficiency, certification (e.g., ATA), sometimes security clearance
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, field operations, intelligence centersConferences, courts, hospitals, live events
Employer & IndustryMilitary, government agenciesPrivate companies, government agencies, healthcare, legal

Military linguists and interpreters both require language skills and often security clearances. Military linguists typically work within military or government settings, focusing on intelligence and defense operations. Interpreters work in diverse environments like legal, medical, or conference settings, often in the private sector. While their skills overlap, their roles differ mainly in work environment and employer focus.

How much do military linguists make?

Military linguists in the armed forces typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on rank, experience, and location. Advanced skills in languages such as Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, along with security clearances, can lead to higher pay and specialized assignments.
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Military Linguist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Military Linguist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,373 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Spanish Linguist

Key West, FL • On-site

Texas State Library and Archives Commision
See more jobs at Texas State Library and Archives Commisionexternal

$88K - $115K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Title: Spanish Linguist (Active Secret Clearance)
Location: Key West, FL (100% Onsite) Employment Type: Full-time / Permanent Salary Range: $88,000 - $115,000 / Year
Job Description
A premier defense and 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 operations alongside major military units and defense agencies. The selected candidate will operate within sensitive multi-intelligence disciplines, providing high-stakes linguistic asset support to national security missions.
Key Responsibilities
  • Mission Support: Provide direct linguistic support to real-world operations, focusing on Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence (CI/HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) workflows.
  • Interpretation: Perform both consecutive and real-time simultaneous interpretations, including utilizing professional booth equipment in high-pressure operational environments.
  • Translation & Transcription: Deliver precise, highly accurate translations and transcriptions of complex, sensitive, and classified defense-related materials.
  • Document Analysis: Review, evaluate, and translate localized legal, military, political, technical, scientific, and official government correspondence.
Minimum Requirements
  • Security Clearance: Must possess an active Secret security clearance (Mandatory).
  • Language Proficiency: Advanced high-level fluency with strong Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) equivalents (typically targeting Spanish ILR 4+/4+ and English ILR 3+/3+ metrics).
  • Experience: Proven background in defense, federal government, tactical intelligence, or specialized military language operations.
  • Location: Ability to work full-time onsite at the assigned facility in Key West, FL.

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