What Can I Earn Annually With a Doctorate in Applied Linguistics?

With a doctorate in applied linguistics, you may become a teacher.

The academic field of applied linguistics studies the science of using language to solve language-related problems in communication. Students acquiring degrees in applied linguistics often find careers in teaching, interpreting, writing, psychology and sociology. Like all degrees, the income you can expect from careers post-university vary greatly by what specific career path you choose. It is possible to have a very rewarding career with a doctorate in applied linguistics, both monetarily and personally.

Teaching English as Second Language

A popular career path for applied linguistics majors is teaching English as a second language. Many new graduates travel abroad to non-English speaking countries where the work of teaching that country's youth English is in high demand. How much you can earn varies greatly depending on the country. In China, you can make at least $30,000 annually. In Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, you can expect up to $50,000. In European countries, salaries are generally much lower, around $24,000 per year.

Interpreter

Applied linguistics doctorates, paired with fluency in a second language, can find good jobs as interpreters or translators. If you were to land a job as a "language specialist" for the United States government, you could expect to make close to $80,000 per year. Freelance interpreting is a popular career path wherein you can make between $30,000 to $50,000 annually.

Technical Writer

As a technical writer, the applied linguistics doctorate uses her knowledge of language science to effectively communicate technical data. Technical writers can write for companies in many different fields, ranging from computer science to medicine. Skilled technical writers can annually earn between $33,000 and $80,000, depending on experience and the technicality of the work being performed.

Language Coach

A language coach uses his doctorate in applied linguistics to help individuals learn to communicate more effectively and efficiently. Language and dialect coaches are often used by actors and public speakers, such as politicians, to communicate more effectively with their audience. Median income for private language coaches is approximately $50,000 per year.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition; Interpreters and Translators; Jul 2010
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational and Employment Statistics; Technical Writers; May 2010
• Indeed; Online Language Tutor Coach Salary
• Ted's TEFL Newbie; Money: Teaching English; Aug 2009
• Portland State University; What Can I Do With a Degree in Applied Linguistics