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First, some facts. Of the Linguistics graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 275 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 50%, Linguistics graduates have a much lower likelihood (-17%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 54% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Linguistics graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 35% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Linguistics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONMartial Arts Instructor Combat Fitness Martial Arts 2012 - Present Martial Arts Instructor Balance Studios Jan 2012 - Present Founder/Owner  Control Kickboxing Nov 2013 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing the job profiles of numerous individuals who graduated with a degree in linguistics, it becomes evident that the career paths they gravitate towards are many and varied. Upon reviewing the data, it turns out people with degrees in linguistics have found jobs primarily in education, customer service, language translation, and administrative roles. However, a significant number of these positions lack a direct connection to the core skills and knowledge obtained during their studies. Many of these roles, especially in customer service or administrative management, focus more on interpersonal skills and general communication rather than specialized linguistic knowledge.
When diving deeper into the jobs identified, the trends also show that teaching positions, particularly as English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors or language tutors, stand out as the most relevant to a linguistics degree. These roles typically require a solid understanding of language structure, acquisition methods, and communication strategies, which align closely with the academic training of a linguist. On the flip side, many individuals with degrees in linguistics ended up in jobs such as call center agents, administrative assistants, or customer service representatives, which don’t leverage their expertise in language or linguistics directly. These roles often emphasize skills like empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution—important but generic skills that can be learned in various other contexts.
Interestingly, specialized positions like translators, interpreters, or roles in language technology (such as linguistic engineers or quality assurance linguists) are in high demand and show a clear application of the linguistics degree. These jobs directly utilize the understanding of language systems, structures, and semantics that are taught in linguistic programs, making them more fitting for graduates looking to make the most of their education. Nonetheless, open positions in these areas remain fewer compared to general customer service or retail roles, highlighting a disparity in the job market where linguistics graduates often find themselves in roles not fully aligned with their field of study.
In conclusion, while the versatility of a linguistics degree allows for entry into numerous career paths, the relevance of those jobs varies significantly. Many linguistics graduates still find satisfaction in teaching and language-focused roles that allow them to leverage their expertise. However, the majority of alumni enter fields where everyday duties often overlook the specialized skills they acquired throughout their education, signifying a need for a clearer connection between linguistic training and employment opportunities in their respective fields.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Linguistics graduates:
When taking a look at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Linguistics, it becomes apparent that there is quite a mix of outcomes. Some graduates have navigated their way into careers that align directly with their studies, while others have ventured into fields that seem only loosely related. Let’s break down what these paths look like, particularly in the crucial first few years after graduation, as well as the scenarios five to ten years down the line.
For many, the first jobs after graduation often fall within the customer service realm or roles that involve communication but may not be academic or research-oriented. For example, graduates from Akdeniz University and the University of California, San Diego, ended up in call centers and front desk positions. Others, like those from Rutgers and the University of Washington, found themselves in marketing assistant roles or even as teachers. Thus, while there are certainly positions that align with Linguistics—like teaching or translation—there's also a notable trend of graduates settling for jobs that perhaps don't fully utilize their degree, at least initially.
As we look deeper into five to ten years beyond graduation, the picture starts to diversify even more. Some individuals have transitioned into related fields where language skills are still valuable. For instance, graduates from Rutgers University found roles as translators and language coordinators, while others have taken on professional development roles within educational institutions. However, there's a significant number who seem to have drifted into careers that while requiring communication skills—like project management or administrative roles—do not leverage their linguistic training directly. There’s a visible fork in the path: those who remain within the realm of language and communication and those whose careers have branched out far from their Linguistics roots.
In summary, while many Linguistics graduates find fulfilling jobs directly tied to their studies, a considerable number experience career paths that lead them into unrelated territories. The level of success varies significantly, from highly relevant positions in education and language services to roles in customer service or management that might not require a Linguistics background at all. It's a mixed bag, so while some hit the jackpot in relevant careers, others might feel they wasted their potential with more general job options.
A Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics can be quite a mixed bag in terms of difficulty, and honestly, it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you've always loved language and enjoy diving into how it works, studying different cultures, or figuring out grammar rules, it might feel pretty manageable and even fun! But, there are definitely some challenging parts, like the more technical aspects of phonetics and syntax, which can trip people up if they're not into that kind of stuff. Overall, it's probably around average in terms of challenge—harder than some degrees but not as tough as, say, engineering or physics. So, if you’re passionate about language, you might just find it a rewarding journey!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Linguistics.
Looking at the job trajectories of these linguistics graduates, it seems like their earnings vary quite a bit. For some, especially those at more prestigious universities or in specialized fields like law or technology, they’ve landed pretty decent roles that likely come with good salaries. For example, the graduate from Georgetown University who's now a Senior Associate at PolicyLink or the one from Harvard working as a Director at their consulting firm probably earn well above average. On the other hand, graduates in education or entry-level roles in customer service, while valuable, might not see those same financial rewards right away. Many are still building their careers and may start off with modest salaries that will (hopefully) increase as they gain experience and perhaps move into more senior positions.
So, if you’re thinking about pursuing linguistics, it’s a mixed bag. Depending on the field you go into and the connections you make, you could find yourself earning a solid income or still hustling a bit in lower-paying jobs. The key takeaway is that while having a linguistics degree can definitely open doors, how much money you make will really depend on your career choices and your willingness to take on those initial roles that may not pay as much.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Linguistics. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Linguistics (ordered by the average relevance score of their Linguistics graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Brigham Young University
|
49 | 12 |
 University of Florida
|
44 | 14 |