Career Opportunities with Languages

Main occupations

Typical occupations where languages skills are a requirement include: languages teacher, 3rd level academic, translator (e.g. IT sector localisation, films, data, gaming), interpreter, EU official, foreign affairs positions, export business.

Languages are also an asset in all other occupations. Explore 'Career Opportunites with a Foreign Language' in each sector here for more information. 

Types of employment contracts

You can access permanent public sector jobs such as teaching, foreign affairs and other public positions where languages are a requirement.              

Part-time positions, casual and remote working are all possible.

How to get a job in this sector

You can sign up with Public Jobs or general recruitment sites. You can apply especially for graduate programmes which involve placements abroad, and indeed in any graduate programmes a language skill will be useful. You can apply for EU and overseas jobs and internships.

Typical earnings

Language specialists can earn teaching salaries of €31,000-€60,000, 3rd level salaries of €35,000-€83,000, educational expert jobs in around €60,000 or EU translating salaries of up to €80,000+ per annum. A career in the civil service follows the grading system. The possibility of a permanent pensionable job is an advantage in public jobs.

Localisation positions are advertised in around €30,000+ but vary. International business positions vary, but with experience salaries increase to senior level salaries.

Precarious, non-permanent or freelance work typically will be lower. It pays to be fully qualified.

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