Have you ever wondered what is the average foreign language salary or how much does a language expert earns in India and elsewhere?
You should be wondering, especially if you are interested in taking the career path of a foreign language specialist.
No matter what people might say, learning a foreign language can put you on the road to a mouth-watering paid career avenue.
But, which one pays better?
How much do foreign language experts receive as salary? What is the pay scale? Take a seat as we take you through all of these.
Table of Contents
A High-paying Industry
There was a time when learning various languages was considered as a mere hobby. Today, it can offer a career boost along with a plentiful financial reward.
As the world continues to become increasingly connected, learning a foreign language (other than English) is viewed as a necessity in a variety of professions.
There are overarching advantages to learning languages.
Of all the language benefits, well-paid language payroll is seemingly the most surpassing motivation among candidates.
The foreign language industry in India and many other places in the world are financially encouraging.
One thing that works in favor of foreign language workers in India is diversity.
India is a hugely diverse country across cultural lines, which makes sense to be multilingual.
This diversity has led to an increasing number of Indians embracing international languages as the global economy, and cross-border cultures are pitched together, even closer than before.
Thanks to the advent of globalization, outsourcing, offshoring, and ofcourse, the internet, innovations, and technology that have made the planet earth a global village.
Are there enough jobs that require language skills?
In a word, YES!
I’ve started blogging in 2017 with the sole intention to write about various languages based on my knowledge, experience, and research.
In the past four years, I received a considerable number of new language jobs opening seeking candidates, ranging from translator or interpreter to virtual assistant to positions in the embassy across India.
With so many new employment possibilities, no matter what career you pick, if you’ve acquired a second language, you’ll always have a real edge.
Bilingual job seekers are preferred over applicants without foreign language skills.
One can trace the impact of multilingualism in almost every field.
Since not many people know a foreign tongue, thus, a linguist expert usually paid higher than others.
With the growing number of KPO, IT-enabled services, BPO, MNC, export-houses, Indian companies with global footprints, educational institutions, tour operators, and travel agencies, the demand for language professionals is skyrocketing.
Knowledge of a foreign language in India automatically places you ahead of other applicants.
To sum up, there are more than enough new openings for language learners. There are also plenty of jobs for freelance linguists.
Foreign Languages that Will Make You The Most Money
A recent revelation by Job search engine Adzuna shows more than 2.5 lakh job postings.
It reveals which languages will enable you to get a higher paying position.
It means that studying and mastering an international language can allow you to have a high-salary job.
The language industry comprises of many foreign languages with attractive remunerations.
But of all the different tongues taught and in demand in India, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, and Japanese attracts the highest salary.
In recent times, there is also a demand for less taught languages, Portuguese, Korean, Arabic, and Italian speakers in India, and it is growing.
Overall, we can group into three broad categories.
(i) Spanish, French, and German lead the pack
These three are among the top five high-paying foreign languages and also among the leading five in-demand languages.
As of September 2019, the average yearly salary scale stands at six lakhs, each with just a little variation in the thousands and fractions of money paid in salaries.
- Entry-level: 4 to 6 lakhs (French and German) and 3 to 5 lakhs (Spanish).
- 3+ years of experience and high proficiency like C1/C2 — 7-10 lakhs (French and German) and 6-8 lakhs (Spanish).
As you can see, the above three top European languages’ salary scale is more compared to a host of other tongues, but, competition is also high.
More and more Indians are taking up lessons in studying these tongues due to the substantial economic prospect they offer.
So what is in it for bilingual teachers?
If you are a bilingual teacher, you can expect to take home the most, since teaching is the highest paying sector for the German, French, and Spanish.
(ii) Highest paid foreign language in India
Of all the foreign lingos making headway in the industry, Chinese (Mandarin) is the highest-paid language.
A person who speaks Chinese receives as much as an Rs. Million-plus yearly. It goes way beyond the average salary level recorded in India in recent times.
Currently, the job ads for fluency in mandarin increased to about double in the past two to three years.
The other East Asian languages, namely Japanese and Korean, are also paid quite well.
Then, why Mandarin is at number one spot, and not Japanese or Korean?
For that, Let’s get down to a tabular presentation of the pay scale for these tongues.
- Mandarin — Low Supply and High Demand.
- Japanese — Moderate Supply and High Demand.
- Korean — Low Supply and Low Demand.
While all three offer an attractive pay scale, the Chinese language has an edge. It is because there aren’t enough Mandarin speakers in India, and that results in high demand for Chinese specialists is staggering high.
If you fall among the category of the world’s most widely spoken or popular languages, you will have to prepare for a highly competitive language job market.
It is genuine considering that, most of the job vacancies require a stiff competition.
It means linguists will need to show the best proficiency if they want to secure the best-paid positions.
(iii) Less Common Languages
Most people, roughly 80%-90%, prefer the top 5 languages when it comes to language acquisition.
When you learn a less widespread language, say Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Italian, Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Bahasa, Dutch, Scandinavian languages, to name a few, you will have something rewarding to add to your resume.
Any of these languages can become an asset in professional life, considering there is a scarcity of people fluent in these tongues.
That is the primary reason you could very well earn more.
Yesterday only, I received a requirement for Bulgarian specialist with CTC of 15Lakh in Mumbai. And I receive such emails all the time.
The less rare skill is available in the market, the more income you can make. There is just one caveat — There aren’t enough jobs.
The long stretches of no work are also common. The contacts, references, and experience play a vital role in this category.
Foreign Language Salary depends on Work Type & Organization
The language specialists and the foreign language salary scale they receive depend on the work and organization they belong to.
If you get employed to work for the Marketing or PR Department in any Multi-National Corporation, your remuneration can be from Rs 35,000 to Rs. 60,000 each month.
For full-time school teachers and instructors at any educational center, the salary range can vary from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 per month.
The home, private, or online tutors and corporate trainers generally charge according to their level of education and experience.
It can vary significantly between Rs. 500 to 1000 per hour.
A certified foreign language teacher with a top-notch experience can undoubtedly charge more, for instance, Rs. 1,000 to 2,000 for an hour.
As for language lecturers in Government Universities and high education institutions, the salary package for an assistant or associate professors could range from Rs 70,000 to Rs 120,000 per month.
On the other hand, professors can earn up to Rs 150,000. Besides, Colleges and Universities also hire visiting or guest faculty.
They are usually paid 25,000-50,000 monthly, or Rs 800-1500 on an hourly basis, depending on whether it is a government or privately own institution.
The foreign language salary prospect isn’t bad for translators either.
What can you expect?
You can earn anything from Rs 500 to Rs 1500 per page, and can even go beyond, depending on the translator’s proficiency and technical knowledge in the subject concerned.
The same thing applies to an Interpreter who, if they agreed to get paid on an hourly basis, can receive from Rs 2500 to Rs 5000, subject to their level of experience and caliber.
The full-time salary can range anywhere between 6 lakh to 12 lakh.
If you have the experience, referral, and a substantial profile in a less competitive market, like Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, etc., you will be paid much more than an average interpreter and translator.
For employees working in embassies, their salary ranges from monthly Rs 40,000 to 100,000, depending on the nature of the work.
For example, a customer care executive or HR might earn less than a research analyst or transcriber.
There is a varied range of processes in a BPO, KPO, and ITES which involve different roles and responsibilities.
The minimum salary range with 0-2 years of experience or Freshers is between 3 to 5 lakhs per annum.
Foreign language expert salary is usually 25% to 40% higher over their English speaking counterparts.
With an average growth rate of 20% per annum, you can quickly achieve a payscale of 6 to 8 lakhs a few years down the line.
How much one makes in the Import-Export industry as a linguist?
With a combination of your language skills and marketing skills like an MBA in international marketing, you can become an international salesperson negotiating deals between cross-border businesses.
The salary is lucrative, even for freshers. It ranges between 6 to 8 lakh, and with experience, the sky is the limit!
Additionally, you’ll have plenty of chances to travel abroad.
Different Foreign Language Roles that Attract Good Salary
Foreign language professionals fill different roles, depending on their qualifications, experience, and skills.
Below are some of the tasks that attract a helpful salary scale:
- Teaching — (i) Foreign language instructor in any educational institution. (ii) Corporate trainer (iii) Visiting or Guest Faculty, Lecturer or Assistant professor in any College or University (iv) Teacher in School (v) Tutor (vi) Online tutoring.
- TEP — (i) Translator (ii) Editing (iii) Proofreading.
- Interpreter and Transcriber — Consecutive or Real-time.
- Travel & Tourism — Tour Guide, Attendant to hotels, holiday consultant, etc.
- Traveling — Transport officer, Cruise Ship Jobs, logistics, Flight steward or Air hostess, Pilots, and more.
- IT professionals and personnel for IT Enabled services in MNCs organization.
- Public relations (PR) officer and working in an advertisement firm.
- Writing — Content copywriter, Travel writer, Editor, and Bloggers.
- Research assistance and market researcher.
- Journalism —Correspondent, reporters, columnists, analysts, and journalists.
Factors Affecting Foreign Language Demand and Supply Chain
No one can work and make good money when they lack essential information.
While the demand for foreign language professionals is enormous, there is a lack of information for aspirants to access.
Consequently, very few experts come out from foreign language institutes in India, which immediately leads to a shortage of trained and qualified foreign language professionals.
India needs a significant number of foreign languages professional, especially in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean languages.
While India enjoys millions of qualified English language speakers, the country faces a severe shortage of people who can understand German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Russian, and other critical languages.
Another important factor worth mentioning that affects the demand and supply of foreign language is the lack of infrastructure in universities or language institutes.
Again, the majority of universities and language institutes are located in big cities and metros.
That makes it difficult for candidates from small towns and remote places to come and learn languages.
If you wish to make a career in languages, at least aim for upper Intermediate level in the proficiency test.
For example, CEFR B2 in European languages, like, Zertifikat Deutsch (German), DELF and DALF (French), DELE or SIELE (Spanish), CILS or CELI (Italian language test), CAPLE or CELPE (Portuguese), and TORFL (Russian).
In East Asian Languages, HSK Level V (Mandarin Chinese), JLPT N2 (Japanese), and TOPIK Level 5 (Korean).
Besides, you can achieve the likewise competency level by completing Advanced level programs in Universities.
Top Tier Companies offering a high wage for language specialist
Some of the companies in India that pays a good salary for hired foreign language professionals includes but not limited to:
Evalueserve, Accenture, Infosys, ICS, Fiserv, Wipro, Kuliza, Tech Mahindra, Scabbard, TCS, Amazon, Exxon Mobil, Dell, IBM, Samsung, Toyota, Oracle, Orange, HCL, Xchanging, Enchanting India, Thales, Siemens, American Express, Thomson Reuters, L&T, Genpact, Geometric Ltd., Fujitsu Technology, WNS, Convergys, Daksh, First Source, EXL, vCustomer, MphasiS, Zenta, HTMT, iEnergizer, and hundreds of more.
Getting A Job To Earn A Good Salary In A Foreign Language
The key to getting a job is down to your proficiency and skills.
You have to be genuinely skilled and proficient in the language for which you’re being employed.
So the company, organization, or agency can derive the benefits while you get paid handsomely for your language abilities.
Final Thought (Wrapping Up)
Knowing what language and what job pays the most is essential for foreign language employees.
The pay scale varies from one industry to another, and the type and level of your proficiency in language will determine how much salary you will get paid.
If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me in the comment section.
Sir, I am going for Korean this year. Sir, If I master the Korean language and have some additional skills such as coding, copywriting, will I be able to earn in lakhs per month staying in India?
I don’t know. This is impossible for me to answer.
Hi sir. I have completed my PG and now looking forward to having my career in the French language. For a career in translator, what level of French language skills do I need?
DALF C1 or C2.
Is it worth doing DELE till C2 or should I stop at the B2 level like most of the people in India? What more job opportunities do the DELE C2 open or what are the advantages of it over B2 as most people are getting good jobs after completing their DELE B2 or Masters in Spanish? Thanks in advance.
Yes, C2 is totally worth it. For most jobs, B2 is enough. However, there is plenty of work that requires Advanced Spanish (C1 and C2). For example, you can teach Spanish to a higher level. You can also work as a translator, interpreter, content writer, etc. B2 may not be enough for these employments. Besides, MA in Spanish is not equivalent to B2.
Thanks, sir, I’m currently at the B1 level of DELE. I want to know that for a job in an Embassy or an MNC what other qualifications do they ask along with the DELE certification to get a job (like some other course or degree which will be important along with DELE)?
That entirely depends on the job profile. For a specialized language position, only prerequisite DELE diploma and graduation in any stream will be adequate. For work based on other skills, you need the qualification in that. For example, for HR profiles, they might prefer an MBA in HR, along with Spanish certification. In short, it depends on the nature of the job.
Hello Sir, I’m currently pursuing my UG, but I’m worried about my career. In which field should I opt for my MBA along with a foreign language to get highly paid?
You can select one of the in-demand specialization like marketing, entrepreneurship, operations, international marketing, finance, to name a few. Pick as per your career goal, existing knowledge, and interest, and not just from the language perspective.
Hi Sir. Please help me as I am so confused. I have completed my HSK1 Chinese but I think in India Chinese won’t have the scope. And the worse part is I was studying in Delhi and right now I am in Mumbai but here dont have a better institute to study Chinese. I am also thinking of Studying French. I am looking for a stable job and China has many issues with other countries so I am worried. Which will be the best option please help me.
While this is up to you to decide, Mumbai does have some good institutes for learning Mandarin.
Is DELE considered a post-graduate diploma in India? Does it have the same job opportunities as a master’s degree? Thanks in advance.
No. DELE is not equivalent to University’s PG diploma. While both DELE and Masters in Spanish are accepted for most jobs, but DELE is not comparable to a degree.
Hello sir,
I’m currently doing my MBBS, but I am also very interested in learning Mandarin and have been doing so for the past few months to make it to HSK 5. Will it prove to be an advantage in my medical career if I top it off with a translation course? Can I become a medical translator in addition to becoming a doctor?
Why do you want to do that when the medical field is itself vast and lengthy? It’s better to focus only on MBBS. Plus, it might not be that beneficial for you. If you fancy Mandarin, you can study as a hobby.
Hello sir,
I will be completing my engineering this year. I am very much interested in Spanish language and want to pursue a career as a Spanish translator/ interpreter. I have enrolled in a part-time certificate course in Spanish. I want to know whether a degree course required to become a professional translator/ interpreter? And how do I achieve that after completing BE? Any advice from you would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
While the degree is not mandatory, but you should aim for near-native competency to become a translator or interpreter. Certificate can be a start, after that study for a few more years. Or you can target DELE C1/C2.
Sir, I am very fond of both Chinese martial arts culture as well as Japanese anime culture. I want to learn both, but since it is not possible, so which one to choose from future job prospects (considering the Indo-China degrading relation)?
This is very subjective and difficult to select. I would advise reading more about both languages. Then, you can make the right decision based on your understanding and interest. Good luck, Bikram!
I completed my 12th in 2011, and now I want to switch my career in the language field. Can I take a better job after completing a Diploma in Spanish?
Possible, though, Advanced Diploma would be better.
Sir, can I make a career just by doing M.A in a certain language or I need to do other courses like travel and tourism also?
You can make a specialized career in a particular language. But, you cannot pursue a Masters without having prior knowledge similar to BA in that language.
Suggest some tips to influence my parents towards the language field because they thought it has no career.
To convenience them, you need yourself to be fully assured. Based on your last question, you still have some doubts. So, I would suggest you read more and try to understand the vital aspects. You can also refer them to some articles of my blog and show them some new language openings on different job portals 🙂
Hi, I am an LLB graduate. I am really interested in learning a foreign language in the interest of my career (French or German). Please do take this request further and provide me with details for the same.
Thanks and Regards,
Vinay
What do you want to know? Both are good choices. You can pick one, enroll in the nearest language school, and start the journey.
Hi Sir,
I live in Mumbai, and Mumbai University has a full-time BA in Chinese Studies program and part-time courses. My query is, after my 10+2, should I go for a BA in English and part-time Chinese courses and get HSK certification; or go for a BA in Chinese Studies without BA English? I am confused because A) Would a formal degree in English Language along with Chinese language proficiency make me more employable and B) Would a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese be given more weightage to my candidature rather than to an HSK certification?
Both have its own pros and cons. For example, if you choose a bachelor’s in Chinese, it will be easy to get admission in MA in Chinese. Plus, you will have an undivided focus on the Mandarin language. In the other option, you will not put all the eggs in one basket. You can also change the career path later. Think about all choices, and then decide as per your understanding. A and B are incorrect assumptions.
Hello sir, This is Sai Charan. I completed my engineering in 2018, currently working in international voice process. Actually, I have some backlogs, and I just want to switch my career and start a new path.
1) Though it takes months to learn a language, will it make a good career?
2) I’m confused about which language to choose like Mandarin, German or French Because many MNC companies are in India. I want to know which country companies are more?
3) Do we need to attempt any exam to eligible for that language after learning?
4) Which path is better to go like BPO, Translator, Interpreter, Trainer?
1) Yes, you can make a good career if you achieve higher proficiency. It will not take months but 2-5 years. 2) That is very subjective, and the answers vary depending on your goal and interest. 3) No, but if you need recognized certifications for the jobs, you can take the test. 4) An MNC does not hire people with a particular language where the company originated, but as per their presence and business opportunities. For example, Amazon, an American company, employs specialists in over a dozen languages.
I guess you have several doubts regarding language. This is not something that can be answered in a few lines. I would suggest you go through many articles (START), and then if you have any specific questions, you can always ask me. Good Luck!
Sir, I completed my MSc in Microbiology, and now I am learning Japanese. Do you think it has a good scope?
Yes
I have work experience of 7 years in the automobile/automotive industry. In my current job role, I handle Pan India Marketing operations. I want to pursue a foreign language. I am planning to go ahead with German and looking for part-time job opportunities in the German language. Is it a good idea?
You can surely learn German. But since there are limited part-time possibilities, keep your expectations low.
This article really boosts me to go for a foreign language. As I have experience as a content reviewer in bpo industry. I want to add another language to English. Please suggest which language should I choose to get the highest pay in the bpo industry or you can say in the content field. I am not worried about the difficulty level of language. I want to live in India, and don’t want to go to any other country. So taking consideration of these points please help me out.
There is no one-language-that-fits-all. Thus, Selecting the best language is a challenging task. The choice of language is not the only criterion. The salary depends on several factors as mentioned above. You can narrow down the options by picking one between French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, and Japanese.
Best language?
There is no best language.
I just want to earn very high, and which language among Japanese, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish helps me in this?
All are good. The salary depends on multiple factors, and the choice of language doesn’t always equate to high earning.
Hello, I found the article quite informative and have some queries related. I’m a law student, but I wish to change my career to languages.
1. What kind of options are available? I’m right now learning French. And will probably learn Spanish/Italian too. 2. Do I need to pursue a degree in that? Or reaching proficiency level B2/C1 will work? 3. And after that can I find a good career abroad too?
1. You can find many specialized careers as a language expert. Translator, Interpreter, Trainer, International sales manager, the content writer are some examples. You may or may not get employment options where both language and law is required. 2. A degree is not compulsory. C1 is good enough. 3. Solely based on languages, it would be challenging. You may have to explore some other possibilities like an MBA or Masters from a reputed University.
Hello,
1. Which one would be a better option to learn in the long term – Russian or Arabic, and why? I need to be fluent in the language and have about 3 years to do so right now. 2. Is it possible to learn them simultaneously? I am in the legal field, so what would be the best option right now?
Both are good options though Russian is more popular. Learning two languages at the same time is usually not a good idea. There is no particular language that matches well with students pursuing law. You can pick as per your interest or the official language of your target destination.
Hello sir,
I have done a BA program and now working on a contractual base. My senior suggest me to learn Mandarin for a better future. So I want some suggestions on the Mandarin language. Is it good to learn mandarin after my BA or should learn some other language?
Mandarin is a good choice. Go ahead!
I am about to complete my BBA, and then I want to pursue my career in the French language. So please tell me what will be beneficial for me to pursue a French course after BBA?
It would be better to try for an MBA from a reputed University along with a part-time French course. The combination of MBA and French will enhance your career prospects in various MNCs.
Hi, I am working as an accounts receivable associate and looking for a career switch, I want to learn French and take the career further. Please suggest.
You can surely consider learning French, but I won’t suggest a switch. It would be better to find something where the combination of your current skills, experience, and French can be useful.
Hello sir! I am pursuing Spanish from Instituto Cervantes, Nueva Delhi. I am also studying a BA program from Delhi university. I really enjoy studying Spanish and want to make a full-time career. But I am really confused as to which field I should go. Also, I want to go for a master’s degree related to languages or Spanish but I don’t know which will be suitable.
Since you’re already studying Spanish. Thus, the Masters in Spanish is more feasible. You have to achieve at least B2 to pass the entrance test. Without prior knowledge, it is not possible to pursue an MA in the corresponding language. Ability to speak Spanish open an array of full-time jobs in various MNCs and Indian companies.
Hello sir,
I am Ritu, I have done MCom, and right now, I am learning French from Alliance. I am confused related to my job, which one will provide me a high pay scale?
With so many unknown variables and options, it is tough to answer. You can narrow down choices based on your existing academic qualifications, experience, interest, location, and French skills. Then you can move forward with specific objectives.
How much money required to learn any foreign language? Like French, German, Spanish, Mandarin. And What is the best and less budget option for a student to learn a foreign language? Sir, please give all the information.
The fee varies greatly depending on the educational institutions, the duration of the course, location, etc. For example, Alliance Francaise B2 level course costs 2.5-3 lakh, whereas the Advanced Diploma at any University will be about 50,000. So, difficult to give any rough estimate.
Hello,
I am a graduate of philosophy Hons. and did b.ed., but I am planning to shift my career in language. May be French, Italian, or Japanese (please suggest if still there is demand for the same). For the full-time job in the languages mentioned above, do I need 3 years B.A degree or b2 level from the private institutes affiliated by the respective govt? (like alliance Francaise, Italian institute of culture, etc.). Will it be good enough to get a full-time job? Is there any age barrier in language jobs?
There is plenty of demand for Japanese, French, and Italian language specialists. Bachelor in foreign languages is not compulsory. You can enroll at the respective cultural centers to complete B2. It is sufficient to get a decent job. No, there is no age barrier for language learners.
Hello Sir, I am a post-graduate in English Literature and want to work in the embassy in the future. I am learning Italian. Do you think it has good scope?
The scope is excellent, but opportunities are limited as far as jobs in embassies are concerned.
Dear Vikash,
I had 13 years of experience in sales and marketing. I did my MBA in 2006. I am looking to work in European countries like France or Spain. So, I want to learn and how to speak French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Ok. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Hello sir,
I have completed my MA in media management and also a Montessori teacher. Is there any job that I can get in international sales marketing?
I’m sure there must be plenty of opportunities though I don’t track new openings if foreign language skill is not required. You can try searching on various job portals.
Sir, I want to do Chinese after 12th and I want to crack JNUEE.
I wish you Good Luck. Prepare for the entrance test.
Hello Sir, I do my BA French in Madurai Tamil Nadu. After BA, What jobs I can do other than teaching?
You can try jobs in BPO and MNCs as a French specialist. There are plenty of opportunities in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
Sir, I am studying in 12th commerce, and I want to study German and then French literature. What degree course should I do for jobs?
You can try a BA and then MA in German. You can also do some part-time French courses that can lead to acquiring French literature at the end.
Sir, I’ll be completing my 12th this year, and want to pursue a French course in the future for a better job. So what should I do now? Should I pursue a diploma course or go for graduation in French. Can you please suggest me some Government Institution where I can learn French, and should I do to get admission there? I’m a bit confused. Please reply.
First, you have to decide whether you want to make a career in French (Full-time French course) or a combination (Full-time course in any other stream along with part-time French). Then, it will be easy to short-list programs and educational institutions. Maybe you can read Language Career After 12th.
Hello sir! I recently completed my 12th, and I’m learning Korean and Japanese. Can you suggest to me if this is a good idea or not? And what is the future in this language?
It is good career choice. You can focus on one language instead of two. For future possibilities, read some of the articles on this blog.
Hello Sir!
At present I am learning Korean Language. Is there any good scope for Korean in part time jobs?
Yes, but both supply and demand are fairly limited.