ESCO 2643.4ISCO-08 2643
Linguist
Also known as: linguistic research scientist, romanist, linguistic scientist, linguistic researcher, africanist, terminologist
About this occupation
Linguists study languages scientifically. They master languages and can interpret them in terms of their grammatical, semantic, and phonetic characteristics. They research the evolution of language and the way it is used by societies.
Essential skills and knowledge
- semantics
- scientific research methodology
- speak different languages
- linguistics
- spelling
- grammar
- write scientific papers
- study acquisition of language
- perform scientific research
- phonetics
- apply scientific methods
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other (O*NET 19-3099.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
US median pay: US$101,110 a year (2025), 37,100 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.