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Professional Linguist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Pashto Linguist linguist, you will engage in the full range of language services - bringing ... Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional language-related experience in the field of translation ...

Pashto Linguist

Vienna, VA ยท On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

As a Pashto Linguist linguist, you will engage in the full range of language services - bringing ... Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional language-related experience in the field of translation ...

Senior Spanish Linguist

Vienna, VA

$33.25 - $35.75/hr

You will provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription , and Gisting including but not limited to: Translation * Accurately translate written ...

Senior Spanish Linguist

Vienna, VA ยท On-site

$33.25 - $35.75/hr

You will provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription , and Gisting including but not limited to: Translation * Accurately translate written ...

Senior Spanish Linguist

Vienna, VA

$33.25 - $35.75/hr

You will provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription , and Gisting including but not limited to: Translation * Accurately translate materials (both ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Linguist information

See salary details

$45K

$58.4K

$97.5K

How much do professional linguist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional linguist in the United States is $58,415.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $58,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional linguist?

Professional linguists are experts who study, analyze, and apply knowledge about language. They may work in areas such as translation, language teaching, research, computational linguistics, or language documentation. Linguists examine the structure, history, and function of languages, helping to preserve endangered languages or improve communication technologies. Their skills are valuable in academia, government, tech companies, and international organizations.

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

To thrive as a Professional Linguist, you need advanced proficiency in at least two languages, strong analytical abilities, and often a degree in linguistics or a related field. Familiarity with language analysis software, translation memory tools, and corpus management systems is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills set outstanding linguists apart. These skills ensure accuracy, cultural relevance, and effective communication in translation, interpretation, and linguistic analysis roles.

What are some common challenges professional linguists face when working on multilingual projects?

Professional linguists often encounter challenges such as accurately conveying cultural nuances, managing tight deadlines across multiple language pairs, and ensuring consistency in terminology. Collaboration with subject matter experts and other linguists is essential to maintain high-quality translations and interpretations. Additionally, adapting to different technologies and translation tools is a key part of the role, as many organizations rely on computer-assisted translation software to streamline workflows.

What is the difference between Professional Linguist vs Language Specialist?

AspectProfessional LinguistLanguage Specialist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in linguistics or related fields, certifications in translation or interpretationOften similar credentials, may include language proficiency certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch, academia, government agencies, translation companiesTranslation agencies, corporate settings, government, localization firms
Industry UsageAcademic, research, translation, interpretationTranslation, localization, communication, customer support

Professional Linguists and Language Specialists often share similar credentials and work environments, focusing on language analysis, translation, and interpretation. While Professional Linguists may engage more in research and academic roles, Language Specialists typically work in translation and localization services. Both roles are essential in multilingual communication, but their specific focus and employment settings differ slightly.

Are professional linguists in high demand?

Professional linguists are in steady demand in fields such as translation, localization, and language technology, especially with the growth of global business and digital communication. Skills in multiple languages, cultural knowledge, and proficiency with language tools increase employability, though demand varies by industry and region.

What does a professional linguist do?

A professional linguist studies language structure, usage, and meaning, often analyzing speech, writing, or language data. They may work in research, translation, language technology, or education, using tools like linguistic software and requiring strong analytical skills and knowledge of multiple languages.

What cities are hiring for Professional Linguist jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Linguist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Linguist jobs?

The most popular types of Linguist jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Linguist jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Professional Linguist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 9% Internship, 72% As Needed, 2% Full Time, 11% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,415 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Estonian Linguist, Corporate Language Support Services

The Unconventional

Huntsville, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 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