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Job seekers who want their work to be focused on research, globally relevant, and thought-provoking should take a serious look at Linguistics Jobs. People might not think of linguistics when they think of high-demand careers in the United States, but the truth is that it touches almost everything we do in our daily lives. From apps that predict what you’re typing to algorithms that translate entire websites in seconds, linguists have contributed to many advancements. Beyond tech, their work also influences education, government policy, criminal investigations, and nonprofit programs that preserve endangered languages and promote cultural understanding.
What makes linguistics careers especially appealing is their flexibility. A degree in Linguistics doesn’t confine a person to one specific path. Instead, it offers a variety of jobs ranging from academic research and university-level teaching to data analysis, UX writing, language documentation, and speech recognition system development. Specifically, the quick growth of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications has increased the demand for professionals who understand the structure and function of language on a more comprehensive level. This has led to greater opportunities for linguists in tech hubs and research labs across the country. So don’t miss the chance to apply!
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| Company Name: | Linguistics |
| Job Locations: | United States |
| Last Updated on: | August 15th, 2025 |
Linguistics Jobs Announced Newest Remote Work Opportunities
About the Linguistic Society of America
The Linguistic Society of America is commonly referred to as LSA. It plays a significant role in the professional world of linguistics in the United States. Founded in 1924, this nonprofit scholarly organization is dedicated to furthering the scientific study of language and supporting those who work in the field. Over the past century, it has established itself as the leading organization representing linguists at all career stages. This includes undergraduate students, graduate researchers, early-career professionals, and experienced academics.
Besides promoting research and teaching in linguistics, the LSA also serves as a powerful platform for education and public policy advocacy. Today, the Society has thousands of members, including individuals and institutional affiliates, reflecting the wide range of disciplines and interests within the field. Its membership includes university departments, language research institutions, and professionals from both the public and private sectors. One of the LSA’s most impactful contributions is its comprehensive job listings platform. It has become a central resource for linguists seeking employment.
Types of Linguistics Jobs You Can Explore
There is much more to linguistics jobs than teaching languages. It’s an incredibly wide-ranging discipline that feeds into industries like tech development, national security, healthcare, and humanitarian work. For those exploring their future with the support of organizations like the Linguistic Society of America, understanding the different roles available is key to finding the right path. From academic lectures to voice recognition systems, linguistics is everywhere, and it is constantly changing.
Academic
For those who love teaching and research, academia remains a classical and rewarding route. Linguists at academic institutions often work as professors, lecturers, or teaching assistants. These professionals design courses, conduct fieldwork, supervise graduate students, and publish peer-reviewed studies that influence the way language is taught and understood. Universities across the country, from Stanford to the University of Kansas, regularly post openings through LSA’s job listings. These listings serve as a useful resource for academic linguistics careers. In this environment, individuals often specialize in phonology, syntax, sociolinguistics, or another subfield and help train the next generation of language scholars.
Government
Linguists have long held a respected place in government agencies where their skills contribute to everything from national security to immigration services. Roles like FBI linguist, intelligence analyst, and forensic linguist are examples of how language expertise is applied in high-pressure situations. These professionals are tasked with interpreting coded communications, analyzing linguistic patterns in criminal behavior, or translating highly confidential information into multiple languages. Agencies like the Department of Defense and the NSA frequently seek out those with excellent command of specific languages and extensive cultural awareness, and these positions are often featured within LSA’s network of partnerships and career development initiatives.
Corporate
In the business world, linguistic skills are increasingly in demand, especially in customer-facing and analytical roles. Corporate linguists often find themselves working as UX researchers, which help brands understand how customers operate apps and websites. Others go into localization while ensuring that global products communicate naturally with audiences in different regions. One fast-growing area is natural language processing (NLP), where linguists help train machines to better understand and generate human language. Companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft regularly seek out linguistic consultants and full-time staff for these roles. Many linguists find that the LSA’s ongoing professional events and webinars are valuable networking opportunities to connect with companies in this space.
Non-profits
Not all linguistic jobs are focused on business or academia. Many professionals dedicate their careers to language preservation while working with local communities or supporting the documentation of endangered languages. These linguists might partner with non-profits or NGOs to develop educational materials, conduct fieldwork, or help communities create language revitalization programs. The LSA promotes these opportunities widely, especially through summer events like CoLang, which focus on community-based training. These positions are ideal for individuals who want to combine the field of linguistics with activism, policy, and public service.
Tech
Technology and linguistics have become increasingly linked, and nowhere is this more obvious than in the development of AI tools and speech recognition software. Linguists in tech work closely with engineers and data scientists to design systems that understand and generate human language. They might analyze data sets, develop ontologies, or fine-tune speech-text algorithms. From voice assistants like Alexa to immediate captioning tools, the language work involved is extensive. These positions are often listed on tech-focused language forums and professional channels supported by the LSA, which increasingly recognizes the crossover between academic training and commercial applications.
Remote Work Opportunities for Linguists
Professionals can now contribute meaningfully to the field of linguistics from virtually anywhere possible due to remote work. These positions range across industries and skill sets, which makes them accessible to both experienced linguists and those just entering the job market. Common remote-friendly roles include transcription, translation, content moderation, and UX writing. Many of these tasks can be completed remotely, which gives linguists the flexibility to work around different time zones or personal schedules. For professionals who prioritize autonomy and location independence, remote roles provide a level of balance not often found in traditional careers.
There are also several platforms and tools that are designed specifically for remote linguistic work. Websites like Upwork, ProZ, and even specialized company portals often list freelance and long-term contracts in areas like localization and speech data analysis. Tech firms and language service providers regularly recruit independent linguists through LinkedIn, Indeed, and the LSA job portal, especially for roles involving multilingual transcription or language-specific annotation. However, working remotely isn’t without its drawbacks. Isolation, inconsistent income (in freelance setups), and limited mentorship can be challenging. Still, for those who are self-motivated and have reliable communication tools in place, linguistics remote jobs offer a highly promising and rewarding career path.
Internships and Entry-Level Roles
For students or fresh graduates entering the field of linguistics, internships and entry-level positions are overwhelmingly important. These positions not only provide practical experience, but also help newcomers figure out where their strengths and interests lie. Many linguistics departments at universities offer assistantships or paid research projects, while external programs like those hosted at the Linguistic Institute or through CoLang provide interactive learning environments. These programs are especially valuable for individuals who may not have prior experience but are motivated to learn more about applied linguistics work. They offer a combination of academic excellence and field experience, often leading to lasting professional connections and future job offers.
There’s no reason to worry about building a resume without experience. Entry-level positions like language annotator, project assistant, or research technician are often open to candidates with basic academic training and a passion for language. Many of these positions are available through universities, think tanks, or the partner organizations featured in the LSA’s wider network. In order to succeed, you must be actively involved in seeking mentorship, participating in student conferences, and collaborating on research if you can. Even a few months of experience in an organized program can set the stage for more senior roles. This proves that the field welcomes those willing to learn and engage early on.
Linguistics Jobs Near Me
While linguistics as a field offers flexibility and remote work options, some cities in the United States stand out for their wealth of opportunities. Whether you’re seeking university roles, government contracts, or futuristic language tech careers, your location can influence the type and volume of positions available. Here are a few cities with linguistic environments that are special in their own ways.
Kansas
Kansas may not be the first place that comes to mind for linguistics, but it is home to several prominent university departments and federal programs that offer steady employment for language professionals. The University of Kansas in Lawrence has a well-regarded linguistics department with opportunities for teaching, research assistance, and graduate fellowships. Federal offices and regional research centers also seek linguists for data analysis, educational policy work, and bilingual outreach programs. Common roles here include teaching assistantships, ESL program coordinators, and academic researchers. The job market may be more traditional, but it provides great opportunities for those wishing to pursue a career in linguistics education or the public service.
Tulsa, OK
Tulsa stands out for its commitment to language access and cultural preservation, especially in relation to Native American and immigrant communities. Public institutions in the city, including Tulsa Public Schools and local government agencies, actively recruit linguists to support multilingual services, translation, and accessible curriculum development. Educational organizations and nonprofits are often in need of professionals who can speak or study native languages and dialects, which makes this city a hub for community linguistics. Bilingual specialists, cultural consultants, and language policy advisors are among the most in-demand roles here. The city’s focus on cultural and language equity offers meaningful work for those passionate about social impact.
Seattle, WA
Seattle is renowned for its technology-related linguistics work, which makes it one of the most searched cities for jobs in this field. With global companies like Amazon and Microsoft headquartered in the area, the demand for linguists who can support natural language processing, machine learning, and localization projects is extremely high. Startups in voice tech and AI are also frequently on the lookout for experts in syntax, semantics, and corpus analysis. In addition to in-office roles, Seattle employers often offer fully remote positions, which appeal to professionals nationwide. Titles like data linguist, AI language analyst, and UX content strategist are especially common, and compensation in this region is among the most competitive in the country.
Salary Expectations in the Linguistics Field
Salaries for linguistics jobs in the United States are based on their specialization, industry, education level, and geographical location. Academic positions usually offer a modest but stable income, especially for senior faculty or department heads at large universities. Alternatively, linguists working for the federal government or intelligence agencies can earn significantly more due to security clearance requirements and the confidential nature of their work.
Corporate roles, such as those in tech companies or multinational firms, often come with the highest salaries, especially for those involved in natural language processing or AI-related tasks. Entry-level professionals might start in a lower salary, but many see significant earnings growth as they specialize or develop expertise in niche sectors. Here are some average salary estimates based on job type:
- Entry-level research assistants or teaching assistants may earn between $35,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on the institution and state.
- Academic professionals with PhDs, such as associate professors, often earn $60,000 to $95,000, with tenure-track roles paying more.
- Government linguists, especially those in intelligence or forensic roles, typically start at $70,000 and can exceed $120,000, depending on clearances and responsibilities.
- Corporate roles in UX, content strategy, or data linguistics range from $80,000 to $130,000, especially in metropolitan cities or global companies.
- Specialized NLP or AI-focused linguists working in tech hubs often command salaries from $100,000 to over $160,000, mostly if they have a strong technical background.
Eligibility Criteria
Not all linguistics jobs require a PhD, but understanding expectations for the different roles is important. Entry-level opportunities often begin at the undergraduate level, especially when paired with internships, assistantships, or practical fieldwork. Bachelor’s degree holders may find roles in administrative support, transcription, and research coordination. For academic careers or specialized technical positions, a Master’s degree or a PhD is often required. Experience levels are based on an employer. However, many organizations welcome candidates with little to no direct job history as long as they show adequate foundational knowledge and a willingness to learn. Language fluency, especially in high-need dialects or technical writing, can give candidates a competitive edge.
Professional skills also play an important role. Analytical thinking, clear communication, attention to linguistic details, and comfort with research methodologies are often required. In tech or government roles, skills in programming, statistics, or cybersecurity may be equally relevant. Employers may also look for certifications or participation in programs such as CoLang or the Linguistic Institute, which show a commitment to lifelong learning and collaboration. The LSA often recommends these experiences as ways to strengthen a candidate’s profile and expand their network. Additional eligibility details include:
- A bachelor’s degree in linguistics, cognitive science, or a related discipline is often the minimum requirement for entry-level roles.
- Advanced roles in academia or NLP may require a Master’s or PhD in linguistics, computer science, or a specialized subfield.
- Internships and assistant roles are commonly available to students or graduates with no experience.
- Applicants should possess exceptional writing, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills.
- Certifications in areas like translation, corpus linguistics, or UX research can enhance job prospects significantly.
- Language fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, or Indigenous languages is highly valuable.
- Familiarity with tools like Python, ELAN, Praat, or R may be required for research and tech-based roles.
- Participation in LSA programs or conferences is often viewed favorably by employers and academic committees.
How to Apply for Linguistics Jobs
You can find linguistics jobs more easily if you know where to look. The LSA has simplified the process by offering an official job board dedicated to careers in the field. Here’s how to go about applying through their platform step-by-step:
- Visit the official Linguistic Society of America website through “Apply Here.”
- Go to the “Careers” tab and click on the “Job Listings” section.
- Browse job postings by keyword, category, or geographic region.
- Click on each job title to review detailed descriptions, requirements, and deadlines.
- Prepare a targeted resume or CV specific to the specific role (academic vs industry).
- Write a clear and personal cover letter referencing the job and your relevant skills.
- Gather supporting documents such as writing samples, transcripts, or letters of recommendation if required.
- Completed applications should be submitted via the method specified, usually via email or online form.
Summary
Those seeking opportunities that combine analytical thinking, cultural understanding, and modern technology will find linguistics jobs to be both challenging and rewarding. From academic roles to the latest openings in AI, job seekers can find meaningful work in education, government, nonprofits, and the private sector. Whether you’re applying through the LSA’s job board or networking at professional events, the process is accessible for both experienced professionals and freshers. The key is knowing where to start, what qualifications are valued, and how to customize your application to different fields. By staying curious, developing relevant skills, and remaining open to both traditional and remote working environments, candidates can successfully establish a successful and impactful career in the field of linguistics.
