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Linguistics

Linguistics graduates earn $49,984 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $32,888 and $69,881. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Linguistics

Linguistics is a focused area of study within Languages. Graduates typically earn around $49,984 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 526 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 7,681 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $27,539
Median Earnings · 4yr: $49,984
Colleges Offering: 526
Graduates / Year: 7,681
Avg Net Price / yr: $17,195

How Much Do Linguistics Graduates Earn?

Linguistics graduates earn $49,984 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $32,888 and $69,881. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $27,539 climbs to $49,984 by year four.

$27,539

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$49,984

4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$50,571

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Linguistics graduates. Career path divergence explains most of the range. Law, consulting, and tech-adjacent roles pull the top end up; writing, education, and nonprofit roles tend to sit near the bottom.

$32,888 25th pct.

$49,984 Median

$69,881 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $49,984 and an estimated $68,780 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.4 years.

Based on outcomes from 390 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 7,681 students who complete Linguistics programs each year, the majority (68%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

68%

Bachelor's 68%

Master's 17%

Doctorate 6%

What Can You Do With a Linguistics Degree?

Linguistics connects to 4 occupations in the job market. Foreign Language and Literature Teachers leads at $79,350/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↘ -0.2% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers

$79,350

$63K $103K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,900 openings/yr 20K employed nationally

Speaking Learning Strategies Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.

↗ +0.0% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

English Language and Literature Teachers

$78,760

$61K $103K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 5,100 openings/yr 58K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Instructing Writing Speaking Learning Strategies

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Teach writing or communication classes.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.

↘ -1.6% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Secondary School Teacher

$72,040

$60K $93K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 66,200 openings/yr 1.1M employed nationally

Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Learning Strategies Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.

↗ +1.7% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Interpreters and Translators

$60,170

$47K $81K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 6,900 openings/yr 52K employed nationally

Speaking Active Listening Reading Comprehension Writing Critical Thinking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.

Top Colleges for Linguistics

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Linguistics students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA · Public	190	65.8%	$17,890	$68,396
2	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA · Public	143	9%	$12,548	$82,511
3	University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA · Public	139	33%	$16,109	$74,915
4	University of Florida Gainesville, FL · Public	123	24.2%	$6,541	$71,588
5	University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras San Juan, PR · Public	118	54.6%	$9,175	$35,723
6	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public	106	11%	$13,481	$92,446
7	Brigham Young University Provo, UT · Nonprofit	80	67.8%	$15,564	$75,790
8	University of South Florida Tampa, FL · Public	79	43.2%	$9,812	$57,743
9	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY · Nonprofit	79	4%	$21,590	$102,491
10	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC · Public	78	41.7%	$17,303	$68,758
11	Georgetown University Washington, DC · Nonprofit	72	12.9%	$40,815	$103,494
12	California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA · Public	70	46.3%	$10,440	$64,403
13	University of Oregon Eugene, OR · Public	68	88.3%	$22,182	$61,324
14	The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX · Public	67	65.1%	$18,267	$68,227
15	University of California-Davis Davis, CA · Public	66	41.8%	$14,741	$80,838
16	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public	66	39.2%	$14,091	$78,466
17	Yale University New Haven, CT · Nonprofit	66	3.9%	$23,777	$100,533
18	Montclair State University Montclair, NJ · Public	60	87.9%	$15,566	$61,415
19	Binghamton University Vestal, NY · Public	60	38.6%	$21,620	$80,596
20	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA · Public	59	59.7%	$22,383	$71,631

View all colleges

Ranked by Linguistics graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Linguistics program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Linguistics degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Linguistics Degree: Pros & Cons

Linguistics carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 3 strengths and 4 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $27,539 at graduation to $49,984 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 80,100 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availability Offered at 526 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.

CONS

Modest median earnings Four-year median of $49,984 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas 2 related careers show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($32,888) and 75th ($69,881) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.

Linguistics Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Linguistics graduates earn?

Linguistics graduates earn a national median of $49,984 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $32,888 and $69,881. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Linguistics degree?

One year after graduation, Linguistics degree holders earn a median of $27,539. That climbs to $49,984 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Linguistics degree?

Linguistics degree holders pursue careers including Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, which pays a median of $79,350/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Linguistics program take?

A Linguistics bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Linguistics?

526 colleges and universities in the United States offer Linguistics programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Linguistics degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $49,984 and an average net price of roughly $17,195/yr, a Linguistics degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Linguistics and Languages?

Linguistics is a focused concentration within the broader Languages field. The Languages major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Linguistics-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Linguistics graduates?

Employers hiring Linguistics graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.

What is the job outlook for Linguistics graduates?

The job outlook for Linguistics graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of 0.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Interpreters and Translators is among the strongest-growth roles at +1.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.