In today’s world, globalization brings new cultures together and increases international trade. As such, many companies need bilingual candidates who would help them expand their business opportunities. Being a translator, you can find success in nearly any industry, such as tourism, education, economics, and government. Given this, we bring to you some of the highest-paying languages for translators.

If you want to pursue a career as a translator, you should consider the best languages that will benefit you and increase your earning potential. In this article, we will explore the 10 highest-paying languages for translators. We’ll also list some popular jobs associated with them and share the average salary for each position. Now, let’s get started!

Job Outlook For Translators

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has predicted a 20% increase in job opportunities for interpreters and translators, which may result in over 15,000 new jobs. Based on the BLS report, the increase may be a result of globalization and more non-English speakers living in the US. In addition, the BLS stated that the current median salary for translators and interpreters is $53,650 annually.

10 Highest-Paying Languages For Translators 

Below, we have compiled 10 of the highest-paying languages for translators. As well as jobs where you can earn over $50,000 per year with each one. Let’s check them out!

1. German

If you are a German translator who has an interest in international business, there are lots of opportunities for you to secure a job. Though Germany is a great and flourishing country that often trades with other countries, the language can be a bit difficult to learn. As such, few people reside outside of Germany and can speak the language fluently.

Meanwhile, this is an advantage if you want to apply as a German translator, the jobs may be less competitive than translator jobs in other languages. As there’s a continuous increase in demand for German translators in the finance and commerce industries, you should consider becoming an international partnerships manager. In addition, a German translator can earn an average salary of $57,580 per year.

However, it may vary based on your skill set, experience, and qualifications. As an international partnership manager, you’ll be responsible for maintaining existing affiliate partnerships with foreign organizations and creating new ones. And also collaborate with advertisers, vendors, and suppliers across various markets to see the global success of your employer.

2. Mandarin

Mandarin is one of the rapidly growing languages in the world. It’s an excellent choice when it comes to the highest-paying languages for translators. As well as a great role for individuals who want to learn a language to expand their career opportunities. Globally, Chinese exports have continued to increase, making it a smart skill for business professionals to invest in learning the language.

Furthermore, one career choice for business and finance professionals who can speak Mandarin fluently is to become a foreign exchange trader. As a foreign exchange trader, you can earn an average salary of $75,150 per year. In addition, your main job role includes buying, selling, and trading currencies for your clients so they can purchase and sell stocks.

You will also have the opportunity to learn about the economies of different countries. This you can do, by researching what major trends impact the value of their currency.

3. Arabic

This is one of the highest-paying languages for translators. When you invest in learning Arabic, it’ll give you an avenue for high earning potential. Most start-ups, companies, and investors are in demand of translators who can speak both Arabic and English for business transactions.

Meanwhile, other popular employment opportunities include the role of a reporter or a foreign correspondent. If you wish to apply your knowledge of foreign languages to a position with the government, you should consider applying for a job in national security or foreign relations. For instance, special agents can earn an average salary of $74,959 per year.

Their main job role is to enforce the law, monitor ongoing situations, and conduct investigations. Although the specific tasks a special agent performs daily can vary, it’s an exciting and rewarding job for people who love to travel and immerse themselves in other cultures.

4. French

Are you a professional who wishes to travel or work in an academic setting? You should consider learning the French language. This is due to the high demand for French translators, as more and more students choose to study at French universities. Therefore, if you’re interested in a career in education, consider a career as a French teacher.

On average, a French teacher can earn an average salary of $83,540 per year. Even though it may vary based on the institution you work for, your level of experience, and qualifications. As a French teacher, you will have the opportunity to work in a traditional classroom setting or coach students online. Ensure you focus on honing your writing and speaking skills as a French instructor to excel in this position.

5. Japanese

Japanese is a prominent language in the business world as many people consider the language so easy to learn. It’s also an important language in many sectors of the global economy. Professionals who work in IT, manufacturing, healthcare, and construction will most likely benefit from learning this language. As the demand for Japanese translators continues to increase, so does the demand for Japanese teachers.

So, if you wish to pursue a career in education, consider becoming a Japanese teacher. Averagely, a Japanese teacher can earn an average salary of $58,320 per year. You can also provide one-on-one tutoring to students in person or online classes for people who have an interest in learning Japanese. Oftentimes, teachers work as independent contractors, which provides them with a flexible work schedule. As well as the ability to work with multiple clients at the same time.

6. Hindi

Hindi is one of the highest-paying languages for translators and also a widely spoken foreign language. Furthermore, it’s an ideal choice for professionals who wish to expand their career opportunities. Do you work in business, telecommunications, manufacturing, IT, research and development (R&D)? Then learning Hindi can help enhance your chances of working for a variety of global corporations.

Another popular career option for Hindi translators is to become a subject matter expert. A subject matter expert can earn an average salary of $99,230 annually. Therefore, if you are a research person and love learning as much as you can about a particular topic, then this might be a perfect career choice for you.

7. Spanish

The Spanish language is becoming a more popular language in the US and other parts of the world. You should invest in learning how to speak it fluently as it can help you increase your earning potential in a variety of career fields. Whether you decide to work as a tutor, for a marketing agency, or in retail, your ability to speak Spanish is a valuable asset to your employer and team members

For instance, a medical interpreter can earn an average salary of $61,950 per year. With this job, you may use your language skills to facilitate communication between healthcare professionals and their patients. As such, your ability to speak Spanish and English in the medical field will help individuals overcome language barriers and improve the quality of care that patients receive.

8. Italian

Learning Italian is a great choice for professionals who believe in improving their career opportunities in business, law, healthcare, and finance. It’s also a prominent language for translators who work in the tourism and travel industries. Do you love to explore other countries and learn about different cultures? Then you should consider pursuing a career as a travel agent.

With an average salary of $60,601 annually and lots of travel perks, this job is an ideal choice for individuals who love to plan vacations and organize itineraries. As a travel agent, you can also use your ability to speak Italian to help clients book accommodations, transportation, and travel packages for their dream getaways.

9. Russian

There is a high demand for Russian translators in the finance, business, and trade industries. It’s also one of the highest-paying languages for translators and an important language if you want to explore careers in politics and international affairs. Therefore, if you love to visit other countries and enjoy negotiating deals, you should consider a career as a diplomatic agent.

As a US representative, you can earn an average salary of $89,630 per year. In this role, you can also live and work in another country while acting as an intermediary to negotiate contracts and foreign policies.

10. Portuguese

Considered one of the rapidly growing languages after English, Portuguese is an important language for many professionals in business and science. As the home of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil is a prominent destination for many biologists and scientists who want to learn more about different plant and animal species.

Business and finance professionals may also benefit from learning Portuguese as more and more international corporations continue to expand here. A high-paying job you can apply your ability to speak Portuguese is the role of a business process outsourcing (BPO) executive. Working as a BPO executive, you may earn an average salary of $250,170 per year.