Linguistics Jobs for 2025: Careers, Salary Range, and Requirements

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Language is a fundamental element of human interaction and has the special power to bring people together. In an increasingly globalized and diverse world, knowledge of various languages and communication skills are more important than ever. In an effort to enhance communication on an international standard, language learner apps are becoming more in demand. Just as well, employment opportunities for interpreters and translators are projected to grow by 24% between 2020 and 2030 (BLS, 2022).

That said, achieving career goals in linguistics can be rewarding, especially with the broad range of jobs for linguistics majors. From jobs as a linguist, writer, or speech therapist, this article discusses in detail how to become a linguist, some of the most popular linguistics major jobs, their average salaries, and the required credentials for each career path.

Furthermore, this article also aims to provide relevant information on other job positions where a linguistics degree may prove useful. If you are a fresh graduate looking to start a career, then this should serve as a good resource for detailed discussions on obtaining a linguistics degree and the career paths that it leads to.

What is Linguistics?
Linguistics Skills Employers Look For
Most Popular Linguistics Jobs
Other Careers Where Linguistics May Be Useful
Where to Find Linguistics Jobs
Admission and Passing Requirements for a Linguistics Course
Top Institutions for a Linguistics Degree
How to Enhance Your Linguistics Degree After Graduation
Can Enhancing Communication Skills Through Public Relations Boost Your Linguistics Career?
Can professional certifications enhance your career prospects in linguistics?
Challenges in Linguistics Careers
How can you gain practical experience in linguistics?
How can you transition from academic linguistics to industry roles?
How Can I Transition from Teaching to a Speech-Language Pathology Role?
Emerging Opportunities in Applied Linguistics
What Certifications Can Elevate Your Linguistics Career?
Will speech-language pathology continue to be in high demand?

What is Linguistics?

Simply put, linguistics is the study of language structure, usage, and context (University of Arizona, n.d.). In a broader sense, it offers three kinds of knowledge pertaining to language, namely general ideas, theoretical models, and language system analyses (Hudson, 2004).

Another way to describe linguistics is that it looks at the nature of language as it is used in communication. Aside from studying how particular languages are properly spoken and written, linguists also identify elements and properties common among them. Moreover, linguistics involves looking at language variations and how they change over time. It also looks at the ways the brain processes and stores language, particularly among children.

Linguistics consists of these subareas:

Phonetics The study of speech sounds.
Phonology The study of patterns and systems of speech sounds.
Morphology The study of word structure or form.
Syntax The study of sentence structures.
Semantics The study of word meanings and relations.
Pragmatics The study of language in context.

Although many people are still unfamiliar with what linguistics intrinsically is, it is a continuously growing field. It has an increasing impact on various fields, including education, philosophy, psychology, sociology, artificial intelligence, and other areas of computer science.

With this, a common question is “What can I do with a linguistics degree?" Definitely more than what people unfamiliar with the discipline expect. Students who are interested in linguistics can choose among different career paths, including the ones that will be discussed in this article.

Linguistics Skills Employers Look For

In linguistics, students are taught how language evolves and how to analyze it based on how it is used. Linguists are trained to read between the lines, so to speak. Linguistic students learn efficient transcribing skills as they can contextually understand language as it is spoken. Additionally, linguists are capable of dissecting language and critiquing it based on related theories and ideas, such as imagery literary definition. Furthermore, linguists know of the different ways and formats of presenting linguistic data.

Linguistics students also learn the following skills that many employers would find valuable:

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
Proficiency in a wide range of language and data analysis techniques
Accurate collection, interpretation, and management of data
Problem-solving and critical thinking, which are honed by language analysis
Sufficient IT skills

With these skills up their sleeves, linguistics graduates can qualify for various jobs and professions that require specialized language and communication applications. By honing their technical know-how, they can certainly further their career goals.

Linguistics jobs are commonly available in fields such as education, communications, marketing, careers in library science, and public relations. Graduates of a linguistics course are likely to find great career opportunities from various employers, including the following:

Educational institutions
Media outlets
Public relations and marketing companies
Publishing organizations
Law firms
Research and survey firms
Telecommunication and IT firms
Government and non-governmental organizations
Consultancy firms, such as human resources, management, and investments

Most Popular Linguistics Jobs

In 2019, the global language services industry was valued at $49.6 billion (Mazareanu, 2019). It is not surprising that there are many linguistics careers available to graduates, most of which will have them exhibit their linguistics knowledge and skills directly. However, linguistics degree graduates can also qualify for jobs outside the language service industry per se, such as computer programming, depending on their individual aptitudes.

The most popular occupations directly related to a linguistics degree are as follows, along with their corresponding median linguistics jobs salary:

1. Linguist

First on the list is the profession derived from linguistics itself. Applied linguists are expected to be adept at the application of linguistics not just in the area of language, but also sociology, philosophy, experimental design, and even computer programming (Wei, 2003).

So, exactly what do linguists do? As professionals who deal with languages, they are often expected to interpret, translate, and analyze materials and documents in at least two different languages. Linguists are employed in both the public and private sectors. Meanwhile, the job opportunities for linguistics can extend to the fields of translation, forensic science, and even the military.

To become a linguist, one needs to have at least a bachelor’s degree. They also need to showcase proficiency with the languages utilized in the job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual linguist salary is $80,170.

2. Lexicographer

Simply put, a lexicographer is a language professional who compiles dictionaries, and is one of the most common jobs for linguists. As such, they have a natural fascination with words and their meanings. Lexicographers also document how the meanings of words change and develop over time. A lexicographer’s work involves writing, editing, and compiling dictionaries for both online and print publications.

To become a lexicographer, one should have at least a bachelor’s degree majoring in either linguistics or at least undergraduate English degrees. Lexicographers who will compile dictionaries for learners may need to have an English language teaching (ELT) certification and experience. The median annual salary for lexicographers is $29,818.

3. Linguistics Professor

The academe is a common destination for graduates exploring linguistic careers. Professionals who teach at the university level typically join the departments of Linguistics, Communication, Speech Science, English, Philosophy, Literature, Anthropology, and various foreign language departments.

Linguistics professionals who want to teach at a university are often required to have a master’s degree or PhD. In some cases, a professional teaching certificate is also needed.

The salary of linguistics professors varies widely depending on years of experience and the type of institution where they teach. On average, junior lecturers can earn somewhere between $42,700 to $52,500 per year. Meanwhile, a senior professor can hope to get up to $81,738 annually.

4. Forensic Linguist

As exciting as it is fulfilling, a forensic linguist job is necessary for helping solve certain crimes. Forensic linguists analyze emergency calls, threat communication, and even suicide letters. They are also involved in author identification and legal matters, such as trademark disputes. Forensic linguists can also work with agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to deal with matters of national security.

To become a forensic linguist, an applicant typically needs to have a bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degree in linguistics. They should also possess sufficient legal knowledge. A forensic linguist in the U.S. can make somewhere between $43,000 and $126,000 annually, making it one of the more profitable jobs with linguistics degree.

5. Technical Writer

Linguistics graduates who get a job as a technical writer typically work closely with software developers, graphic designers, user experience designers, and program testers, among other technical or digital positions. The primary role of technical writers is to collect information and plan and execute documentation. One of the most popular linguistics degree jobs, technical writers produce anything from manuals, business communication materials, and whitepapers. The materials they create are meant to educate consumers about a software, product, or service.

Technical writer jobs are not exclusive to linguistics degree holders. Those who finished a bachelor’s program in communications, journalism, English language, computer science, or information technology (IT) who have writing knowledge and skills can also qualify for such a job. Technical writers are also expected to know how to use office Microsoft Office and Adobe applications. Their salaries range from $45,000 to $91,000 per year.

6. Computational Linguist

Another job for linguists in the tech industry, this combines natural language modeling and analysis with computational processes. Computational linguists bridge the gap between machine and language. They can help solve issues in areas such as document processing, computer-assisted language learning, artificial intelligence, and natural language interface.

Before one can become a computational linguist, they will be required to finish a master’s degree in computational linguistics or another related course, such as computer science. Sufficient programming knowledge is also often required.

Computational linguists are hired by software brands, blue-chip companies, and other institutions in the tech arena. They can earn an average annual salary of $88,437.

7. Accent Coach

Also called dialect coaches, accent coaches are essentially acting coaches who focus on teaching actors a particular accent. They may also work with filmmakers, producers, and actors to design a totally new accent, which is derived from a made-up dialect.

Linguistics graduates often do well as accent coaches as the job requires more than simply teaching how to speak with a specific accent. It also involves breaking down speech patterns and replicating them. Thus, language analysis is also at play. Furthermore, accent coaches can also teach people outside of the entertainment industry who simply wish to learn (or unlearn) an accent.

Aside from a degree in linguistics, teaching experience and acting skills may be required before one becomes an accent coach. The average compensation ranges from $15 to $350 per hour.

Other Careers Where Linguistics May Be Useful

So, what can you do with a linguistics degree outside of the common professions for graduates? With additional knowledge and training, linguistics graduates and professionals can also find success in other potential careers, such as follows:

1. Translator or Interpreter

Some may think that linguists are people who can speak different languages and commonly work as interpreters for important people and organizations. However, the more accurate term for them is polyglots. Indeed, some linguists may be polyglots, but linguistics goes beyond learning to speak different languages.

Linguists who are also polyglots can become successful translators or interpreters. They are needed everywhere, from government and non-government agencies to private companies.

Aside from having a linguistics degree, translators and interpreters often need to have sufficient knowledge of the business or industry they will get involved in. Naturally, they need to be fluent in the languages they will translate and interpret. The average salary range for translators is $10,000 to $69,000 per annum.

2. Copywriter

Copywriters produce content for a wide variety of industries and media, such as websites and advertising materials. The materials need to be engaging for readers and should motivate them to do an action, either to buy a product or support a cause, for instance. Linguists can function well as copywriters as they are more aware of the proper wording and structure to use in a copy.

Copywriter jobs are often open to everyone who have a sufficient understanding and knowledge of copywriting, but prior experience and related education may help with a candidate’s application. According to Glassdoor, the national average annual salary for a copywriter post is $56,263.

3. Editor

Linguistics graduates understand the proper structure and nuances of language. As a result, they tend to have a keen eye for errors in documents and other people’s writing. They can start by taking an editorial assistant position, then become a senior editor. They can find editorial jobs in publishing companies and media organizations.

Editors can be graduates of linguistics, English language, or a journalist degree. The average salary of editors in the U.S. ranges from $37,000 to $85,000 per year.

4. Speech or Language Therapist

As linguists are adept at languages and how they should be spoken, they may qualify for speech or language therapist jobs. However, this job may require that a candidate has some degree of healthcare education and background.

In the U.S., for instance, speech pathologists need to take a Speech-Language Pathology master’s degree, aside from being bachelor’s degree holders. They are also required to pass the licensure requirements and examination. In some cases, a teaching certification is also needed. The average annual salary of speech-language therapists or pathologists is $57,922.

5. English As a Foreign or Second Language Teacher

English is the most widely spoken language in the world, counting both native and non-native speakers (Ethnologue, n.d.). This is why there are a lot of English language teaching opportunities in and out of the U.S. In fact, as of 2018, the English language learning market revenue was $8.99 billion. Students who learn English as a foreign language are also distributed all over the world, with the United Kingdom having the biggest share in 2018.

Linguistics graduates have an edge if they want to teach English as a foreign or second language, but they may still be required to take additional teaching training and certification. Among the credentials to secure is the Teaching English as a Second or Other Language (TESOL) certification. The national average salary for (English as a Second Language) ESL teachers in the U.S. is $48,534 per year.

Where to Find Linguistics Jobs

As established by the availability of a wide range of career opportunities for linguistics graduates and professionals, it is easy to say that the field of linguistics is indeed diverse. There are various resources where one can find high-quality linguistics career opportunities, some of which are as follows:

University bulletins and websites may also recommend job opportunities for their graduates. Professional social media sites, such as LinkedIn.com, may also be a reliable source of job openings.

Admission and Passing Requirements for a Linguistics Course

Anyone hoping to pursue a career in linguistics should first acquire a linguistics degree. Different institutions have different admission requirements. However, in general, a high school diploma is required to apply for entrance in an undergraduate linguistics program. Furthermore, as this course largely deals with language, an applicant may be asked to submit a writing sample. Proofs of passing language proficiency examinations are also typically required

For instance, the University of Washington Department of Linguistics prefers that linguistics major applicants present a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50. However, it will also accept students who meet minimum requirements, including:

At least one year of course work in a foreign language or first-year level proficiency score in a foreign language placement exam. Their grade must be at least 2.0 in their third-quarter language course.
Completion of a prerequisite introductory linguistics course.
Completion of an additional quantitative and symbolic reasoning (Q/SR) course.
Completion of a writing course or a second composition course.
A minimum grade of 2.50 in the writing and Q/SR courses and 2.0 for the other courses.

Standards for passing a linguistics course also vary from one institution to another. It will also depend on whether a student chooses linguistics as a major or minor. For reference, take for example the University of Iowa Bachelor of Arts degree in linguistics. The program requires that a student completes a course in an old language or language history, as well as the following coursework:

Introduction to Linguistics
Articulatory & Acoustic Phonetics
Syntactic Analysis
Phonological Analysis
Elective courses as chosen and recommended by the adviser

Top Institutions for a Linguistics Degree

Students who are considering pursuing a career in linguistics would want to know which institutions specialize in the discipline. Unsurprisingly, based on the latest QS World University Rankings for Linguistics, the majority of the top institutions for the subject are located in English-speaking countries: the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia.

The ranking is led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the U.S., MIT offers both undergraduate and graduate linguistics courses. For the undergraduate program, students can choose linguistics as a major or minor. They can also go for a (humanities, arts, and social sciences) HASS concentration.

Next on the ranking is the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Also located in Massachusetts, UMASS offers both undergraduate and graduate linguistics programs as well. They also provide certificate programs, such as Certificate in TESOL and Certificate in American English Linguistics.

Third on the list is the U.K.’s University of Edinburgh. The university offers undergraduate, masters, and postgraduate research programs for linguistics and the English language.

How to Enhance Your Linguistics Degree After Graduation

Graduates with a linguistics degree may want to expand their skills and knowledge to stay competitive in the job market. Here are a few additional steps they can take:

Pursue certifications in specialized areas. Consider acquiring certifications in areas like translation, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), or computational linguistics to boost your employability in niche sectors.
Gain proficiency in programming languages. For those interested in computational linguistics, learning programming languages like Python or R can open doors to tech-related roles in natural language processing or artificial intelligence.
Attend workshops and conferences. Engaging in linguistics-related seminars, workshops, and conferences helps you stay updated with the latest trends and network with professionals in your field.
Develop multilingual proficiency. Fluency in additional languages not only enhances your communication abilities but also makes you a more attractive candidate for global positions.
Explore interdisciplinary graduate programs. Graduate programs that combine linguistics with fields like psychology, cognitive science, or data science can lead to advanced career opportunities in academia, research, or tech.

Can Enhancing Communication Skills Through Public Relations Boost Your Linguistics Career?

Integrating advanced communication strategies into your skill set can open interdisciplinary pathways that complement core linguistics expertise. Expanding your proficiency in areas such as media relations, reputation management, and strategic messaging enables you to navigate sectors where precise language meets targeted public engagement. Pursuing certifications or coursework in complementary fields—like a public relation degree—can enhance your ability to craft persuasive narratives and manage diverse communication challenges, making you a more versatile candidate in today’s competitive job market.

Can professional certifications enhance your career prospects in linguistics?

Professional certifications can supplement academic credentials by providing practical, industry-specific skills that employers value. Targeted certifications not only validate specialized expertise but also illustrate an ongoing commitment to professional development in competitive fields such as speech-language pathology, technical writing, and computational linguistics. For example, obtaining recognized credentials in speech therapy can open opportunities within healthcare and education, adding a robust practical edge to theoretical knowledge. Consider exploring programs like SLP specialty certifications to determine which certification aligns best with your career objectives and enhances your professional profile.

Challenges in Linguistics Careers

Like many professionals, linguistics graduates face various challenges when entering the job market. While a linguistics degree can lead to various fulfilling careers, certain obstacles can hinder career advancement. These challenges require careful planning and a strategic approach to overcome. Here are some common hurdles linguistics professionals may encounter:

Job Market Competition: The job market for linguistics graduates can be highly competitive, especially for specialized roles such as computational linguists or language researchers. Many linguistics careers require advanced degrees or additional certifications, making it crucial to stay ahead by continuously improving skills and gaining experience.
Need for Specialization: While a broad understanding of linguistics is valuable, specializing in a specific area (such as phonetics, sociolinguistics, or language technology) can make a graduate more marketable. Pursuing a specialized path often requires additional education or on-the-job training, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Low Starting Salaries in Some Fields: Linguistics graduates may face lower starting salaries for entry-level positions, such as teaching English as a second language (ESL) or working as a lexicographer, compared to other fields. Graduates may need internships or volunteer opportunities to gain relevant experience before advancing to higher-paying positions.
Lack of Clear Career Pathways: Linguistic careers can be less structured than professions with well-defined career tracks, such as law or engineering. Graduates may need to explore different sectors—education, technology, publishing, or healthcare—before finding a clear career direction.
Continued Education Requirements: Many linguistics careers require advanced degrees or certifications. For example, a linguistics graduate interested in becoming a speech therapist. Suppose you're looking for an efficient pathway. In that case, you should explore accelerated online speech pathology degree programs to gain the necessary credentials faster. This can be time- and cost-intensive but can lead to higher job satisfaction and earnings in the long run.

How can you gain practical experience in linguistics?

While a strong academic foundation in linguistics is crucial, gaining hands-on experience is equally important for building a successful career. Here are several ways linguistics students and graduates can gain practical experience in the field:

Internships and Volunteer Opportunities: Many universities offer internships or volunteer positions related to linguistics, whether in research labs, translation services, or with language advocacy organizations. These opportunities provide valuable real-world experience and can significantly enhance a resume.
Freelance Work: Linguistics graduates can engage in freelance work such as transcription, translation, or editing. This allows individuals to apply their skills while building a professional portfolio. Online platforms also offer avenues to gain clients for freelance linguistic services.
Research Projects: Participating in research projects during college or post-graduation can help linguistics students refine their analytical and data management skills. Involvement in academic or industry-specific research allows them to gain a deeper understanding of complex language systems.
Online Language Communities: Engaging with online language forums and communities (e.g., on Reddit or specialized linguistics platforms) offers an excellent opportunity to stay informed about new developments in the field, as well as collaborate with professionals in different linguistic subfields.
Language Teaching or Tutoring: For those who are fluent in multiple languages, teaching or tutoring language learners is a practical way to use linguistic knowledge. Additionally, it enhances communication skills, which are essential in many linguistics-related jobs.
Professional Certifications: Consider pursuing certifications in related fields, such as speech-language pathology or computational linguistics, to further enhance practical expertise. Many online colleges with no application fee offer specialized programs that can provide additional qualifications and skills.

How can you transition from academic linguistics to industry roles?

Bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry requirements entails a focused, strategic approach. Identify and leverage transferable skills—such as analytical thinking and advanced communication—to explore internships, mentorships, and project-based opportunities in industries ranging from technology to healthcare. Consider targeted professional development through certifications that offer real-world application; for example, training in speech-language pathology via top ASHA accredited speech language pathology programs can complement your academic foundation. Assess industry trends and job postings to align your expertise with market needs while building a network of professionals who can offer guidance and collaboration opportunities.

How Can I Transition from Teaching to a Speech-Language Pathology Role?

Educators seeking a shift into linguistics-based careers can leverage their classroom experience by pursuing targeted training and specialized certifications in speech-language pathology. Transitioning successfully often involves obtaining practical clinical exposure, engaging with professional networks, and refining technical communication skills. To streamline this career pivot, consider exploring structured guidance and real-world strategies that build on your teaching background and pave the way toward advanced roles in language services, as detailed in the teacher to speech pathologist resource.

Emerging Opportunities in Applied Linguistics

The field of linguistics is expanding beyond traditional roles, as emerging opportunities in applied linguistics gain prominence. Applied linguistics refers to the practical application of linguistic theories and methodologies across various industries to address real-world problems. This branch of linguistics intersects with areas such as education, healthcare, business, technology, and law, opening unconventional career paths for linguistics graduates.

For example, one promising area within applied linguistics is speech-language pathology. This discipline integrates linguistic expertise with medical and therapeutic practices to treat communication and speech disorders. Linguistics graduates with further training in speech pathology can find themselves working in schools, hospitals, and private clinics, helping individuals overcome challenges in speech and language development. If you're curious about career prospects in this field, you might wonder—how much does a speech pathologist make? According to detailed career data, speech pathologists' salaries vary widely based on their specialization, location, and level of experience.

Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has created a growing demand for computational linguists and natural language processing (NLP) specialists. These professionals collaborate with technology companies to develop language models, chatbots, and machine translation tools that rely heavily on linguistic insight. Similarly, forensic linguistics is gaining traction in the realm of criminal investigations, where linguistic analysis aids in interpreting evidence like written threats and disputed texts.

As industries increasingly value communication, language, and cultural competence, applied linguistics will continue to unlock niche career opportunities. To thrive in this space, consider exploring specialized certifications or graduate programs focused on applied linguistics, which can broaden your expertise and increase your marketability in various interdisciplinary roles.

What Other Academic Paths Offer Similar Career Opportunities?

While a degree in linguistics can be incredibly rewarding, it's essential to consider other academic paths that may offer similar career opportunities. For instance, students interested in language and communication may also want to explore degrees in English, communication, or education. Additionally, those interested in the technical aspects of language may want to consider degrees in computer science or information technology. It's also worth noting that some of the best associate degrees can provide a solid foundation for a career in linguistics or related fields. By considering these alternative paths, students can make informed decisions about their academic and career goals.

What Certifications Can Elevate Your Linguistics Career?

Pursuing targeted certifications can substantively enhance a linguistics degree by providing specialized practical skills that employers value. Accredited training in areas such as speech-language pathology, technical communication, or computational linguistics is one way to gain a competitive edge. For example, professional qualification programs exist for those interested in expanding their therapeutic expertise, including easiest online SLP programs to get into, which serve as a stepping stone to roles in speech therapy and related healthcare fields. Certifications also affirm a commitment to continuous professional development, ensuring graduates stay current with industry standards while broadening their career opportunities in both academic and applied settings.

Will speech-language pathology continue to be in high demand?

Market trends and demographic shifts continue to signal promising prospects for speech-language pathology roles. Comprehensive analysis, including insights from the speech language pathology career outlook, highlights that increasing demand for early intervention, evolving diagnostic technologies, and broader healthcare initiatives collectively drive sustainable growth in the field. Professionals who pursue specialized skills and advanced certifications in therapeutic and diagnostic techniques are well-positioned to capitalize on this expanding market.

Is Linguistics the Right Career Path for You?

Students who choose to study linguistics obtain valuable skills that give them a competitive edge in the job market, whether they apply for jobs directly associated with the course or not. Linguistics trains students to think critically and apply analytical reasoning, which can be useful in various job positions in many industries.

If you have an innate fascination with language, and honing and capitalizing your interest sounds attractive to you, then linguistics is likely to prove to be a viable career path. Hopefully, with this guide, you were able to gain some insights as to how life after college is upon completing this degree and whether a linguistics career goal is a good fit for you.

Key Insights

High Growth Rate: Employment opportunities for interpreters and translators are projected to grow by 24% between 2020 and 2030, highlighting the increasing demand for language-related skills.
Versatile Career Paths: Linguistics graduates can pursue a variety of careers, including roles as linguists, writers, speech therapists, lexicographers, forensic linguists, and technical writers, among others.
Interdisciplinary Applications: Linguistics knowledge is valuable in various fields, such as education, philosophy, psychology, sociology, artificial intelligence, and computer science.
Essential Skills: Linguistics programs equip students with crucial skills like outstanding verbal and written communication, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data analysis, critical thinking, and IT proficiency.
Diverse Job Opportunities: Linguistics graduates can find employment in educational institutions, media outlets, public relations and marketing companies, publishing organizations, law firms, research firms, telecommunication companies, IT firms, government and non-governmental organizations, and consultancy firms.
High Earning Potential: Some linguistics careers, such as computational linguists and forensic linguists, offer high earning potential, with salaries ranging significantly based on expertise and industry.
Academic Rigor: Linguistics programs often require a high level of academic performance, including coursework in foreign languages, phonetics, syntax, semantics, and elective courses tailored to specific linguistic interests.

FAQ

What is linguistics? Linguistics is the study of language structure, usage, and context. It involves understanding how languages evolve, how they are used in communication, and the common elements and properties among different languages. It encompasses subfields such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
What skills do employers look for in linguistics graduates? Employers value skills such as outstanding verbal and written communication, proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, data analysis techniques, critical thinking, problem-solving, and IT proficiency.
What are some common careers for linguistics graduates? Common careers for linguistics graduates include linguist, lexicographer, linguistics professor, forensic linguist, technical writer, computational linguist, accent coach, translator or interpreter, copywriter, editor, speech or language therapist, and ESL teacher.
What is the job outlook for interpreters and translators? The job outlook for interpreters and translators is very positive, with a projected growth rate of 24% between 2020 and 2030.
What educational requirements are needed to become a linguist? To become a linguist, one typically needs at least a bachelor’s degree in linguistics or a related field. Proficiency in at least two languages is often required, along with skills in interpreting, translating, and analyzing language materials.
How do linguistics skills apply to the tech industry? In the tech industry, linguistics skills are applied in roles such as computational linguists, who work on natural language processing, document processing, and artificial intelligence. These roles often require additional knowledge in computer science and programming.
What is the median salary for a linguistics professor? The median salary for a linguistics professor varies widely based on experience and the type of institution. Junior lecturers can earn between $42,700 to $52,500 per year, while senior professors can earn up to $81,738 annually.
Can linguistics graduates work in the healthcare field? Yes, linguistics graduates can work in the healthcare field, particularly as speech or language therapists. This career often requires additional training and certification, such as a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and passing relevant licensure exams.
What institutions are considered top for a linguistics degree? Some top institutions for a linguistics degree include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the University of Edinburgh. These institutions offer comprehensive programs in linguistics at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Is a linguistics degree versatile for careers outside traditional linguistics roles? Yes, a linguistics degree is highly versatile and applicable to various careers outside traditional linguistics roles. Graduates can pursue careers in education, publishing, marketing, public relations, law, research, IT, and consultancy, leveraging their skills in language analysis, communication, and critical thinking.

References:

Ethnologue. (n.d.). What is the most spoken language? Ethnologue: Languages of the World.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Glassdoor (2020). Copywriter salaries. Glassdoor.com.
Glassdoor (2020). ESL teacher salaries. Glassdoor.com.
Hudson, R. (2004). Why education needs linguistics (and vice versa). Journal of Linguistics, 40 (1), 105-130. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022226703002342
LSA (n.d.). Linguistics as a Profession. Washington, DC: Linguistics Society of America.
Macaulay, M. & Syrett K. (n.d.). Why Major in Linguistics (and what does a linguist do)? Washington, DC: Linguistics Society of America.
Mazareanu, E. (2019, August 9). Market size of the global language services industry 2009-2021. Statista.
Mazareanu, E. (2019, December 2). Distribution by country of students learning English as a foreign language in 2018. Statista.
MIT (n.d.). Linguistics at MIT. Cambridge, MA: Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
AGCAS Editors (2019). Linguistics. Prospects.
AGCAS Editors (February). Job profile: Lexicographer. Prospects.
AGCAS Editors (n.d.). Job profile translator. Prospects.
Top Universities (2019). 7 jobs for graduates with a linguistics degree. QS Top Universities.
Top Universities (2020). QS World University Rankings Linguistics. QS Top Universities.
Study.com (2019). Linguist: Job duties, description and requirements. Study.com.
Teach.com (n.d.). How to become a speech therapist. Teach.com.
University of Edinburgh (n.d.). Linguistics and English Language. Edinburgh, Scotland: The University of Edinburgh.
University of Iowa (n.d.). First-Year Admission to Liberal Arts & Sciences. Iowa City, IA: The University of Iowa.
Tims, A. (2015). How do I become … a dialect coach. The Guardian.
University of Arizona (n.d.). What is linguistics and why study it? Tuscon, AZ: University of Arizona.
University of Massachusetts Amherst (n.d.). College of Humanities & Fine Arts Department of Linguistics. Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts Amherst.
University of Washington (n.d.). The Linguistics Major: Admissions requirements. Seattle, WA: University of Washington.
Wei, L. (2013). Applied Linguistics. New York, NY: Wiley.