The FBI Linguist plays a very important role in protecting the United States. These professionals are responsible for translating, analyzing, and interpreting foreign languages that are critical to investigations and national security. Since the FBI works on counterintelligence, cybercrime, terrorism, and organized crime, linguists ensure that language is never a barrier to justice.
In 2025, the FBI Linguist salary in the USA is structured by experience, grade level, and language specialization. The FBI follows the federal General Schedule (GS) pay scale, meaning salaries increase with both years of service and higher grade levels.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of how much FBI linguists earn in 2025, including:
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Salary by grade level and step
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Pay differences based on experience
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Location-based adjustments
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Benefits and allowances
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Career progression
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Comparisons with other agencies
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FAQs to answer common questions
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the real earning potential of an FBI Linguist in 2025.
FBI Linguist Salary Structure Overview
The FBI Linguist salary is based on the federal GS pay scale, usually ranging between GS-7 and GS-15 depending on education, years of service, and language proficiency.
Key factors that determine pay include:
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Grade Level (GS): Entry-level linguists often start between GS-7 and GS-9, while senior linguists can advance to GS-13–GS-15.
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Step Increases: Each grade has 10 steps. A linguist moves up steps with performance and service, earning higher pay within the grade.
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Experience: More experienced linguists qualify for higher grades.
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Special Languages: Rare or high-demand languages (like Arabic, Farsi, Chinese, Russian, Korean) may come with hiring bonuses or faster promotions.
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Location Pay: Salaries are adjusted based on where a linguist works. For example, Washington, D.C. has higher pay than smaller cities.
FBI Linguist Salary Table (2025)
Below is a simplified estimate of annual base pay for FBI Linguists in 2025 under the GS system. Figures are rounded averages and may vary depending on location adjustments.
| Grade Level | Step 1 Annual Salary | Step 10 Annual Salary | Approx. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | $42,200 | $54,400 | $3,516 – $4,533 |
| GS-9 | $51,500 | $67,300 | $4,291 – $5,608 |
| GS-11 | $62,500 | $81,800 | $5,208 – $6,816 |
| GS-12 | $74,700 | $97,600 | $6,225 – $8,133 |
| GS-13 | $88,800 | $115,600 | $7,400 – $9,633 |
| GS-14 | $104,800 | $136,000 | $8,733 – $11,333 |
| GS-15 | $123,000 | $160,000 | $10,250 – $13,333 |
Note: These figures represent base pay before locality adjustments. For locations like New York, San Francisco, or Washington D.C., the actual salary can be 15–30% higher.
How the FBI Linguist Salary System Works
The FBI salary is based on the federal GS system, which operates on:
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Grade Levels (GS-7 to GS-15): Higher grades mean more responsibility and higher pay.
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Steps (1–10 within each grade): Each step represents a salary increase for years of service and good performance.
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Locality Pay: Adjustments made for cost of living in different cities.
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Overtime and Bonuses: While rare, linguists can earn extra pay for special assignments.
This structure ensures that salaries remain fair, transparent, and consistent nationwide.
FBI Linguist Salary by Experience
The salary of an FBI Linguist depends heavily on years of experience.
Entry-Level (0–3 years)
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Usually start at GS-7 or GS-9.
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Salary range: $42,000 – $67,000 annually.
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Often assigned to translation and transcription tasks.
Mid-Level (4–8 years)
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Usually between GS-11 and GS-12.
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Salary range: $62,000 – $97,000 annually.
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Handle advanced analysis, field investigations, and may mentor juniors.
Senior-Level (9–15 years)
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Often at GS-13 or GS-14.
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Salary range: $88,000 – $136,000 annually.
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Take leadership roles, manage teams, and work directly on high-level cases.
Expert-Level (15+ years)
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Reach GS-15.
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Salary range: $123,000 – $160,000 annually.
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Serve as senior advisors, policy contributors, and top-level specialists.
Location-Based Salary Adjustments
Locality pay makes a big difference in actual take-home salary. Here are some examples for 2025:
| City / Region | Locality Adjustment | Salary Range (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | +24% | $52,300 – $198,000 |
| New York, NY | +29% | $54,400 – $206,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | +28% | $54,000 – $205,000 |
| Dallas, TX | +21% | $50,000 – $193,000 |
| Miami, FL | +22% | $51,000 – $195,000 |
| Chicago, IL | +25% | $52,800 – $199,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | +30% | $55,000 – $208,000 |
This shows how geographic location can boost salary significantly.
Benefits and Allowances for FBI Linguists
In addition to base salary, FBI Linguists enjoy strong federal benefits, including:
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Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision)
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Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
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401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with matching
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Paid Leave (13–26 vacation days, 13 sick days, 10+ federal holidays)
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Life and Disability Insurance
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Training and Career Development opportunities
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Flexible Work Arrangements in some cases
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Bonuses for high-demand languages
Career Progression for FBI Linguists
The FBI offers multiple paths for career growth:
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Promotions through GS grades (based on performance and years of service).
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Leadership positions such as Supervisory Linguist.
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Special Assignments in counterintelligence, cybercrime, and counterterrorism.
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Training programs that allow linguists to specialize further.
Over time, a linguist can double or even triple their starting salary.
Comparison with Other Agencies
| Agency/Role | Average Salary (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Linguist | $62,000 – $136,000 | Strong federal benefits |
| CIA Language Officer | $70,000 – $150,000 | Often higher for rare languages |
| NSA Language Analyst | $65,000 – $140,000 | More technical work |
| State Department Interpreter | $60,000 – $120,000 | More diplomatic, less investigative |
This comparison shows that FBI Linguists are highly competitive with other federal agencies.
Key Factors Influencing FBI Linguist Salary
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Language Demand: High-demand languages may earn hiring bonuses.
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Experience Level: More years mean higher GS levels.
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Education: Advanced degrees may qualify for higher grades.
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Location: Salaries vary significantly with locality pay.
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Performance: Step increases depend on strong performance reviews.
Requirements to Become an FBI Linguist
Basic requirements include:
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U.S. citizenship
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Proficiency in at least one foreign language
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Strong English skills
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Bachelor’s degree (linguistics, languages, or related field preferred)
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Passing FBI background check, polygraph, and security clearance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the starting salary for an FBI Linguist in 2025?
Around $42,000 to $51,000 annually, depending on grade and location.
2. How much can a senior FBI Linguist earn?
Senior linguists can earn up to $160,000 or more with locality adjustments.
3. Do FBI Linguists get paid overtime?
Sometimes, but usually only for special assignments.
4. Which languages are in highest demand at the FBI?
Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Farsi, Russian, Korean, and Pashto are among the most sought after.
5. Does the FBI offer signing bonuses for linguists?
Yes, for critical languages, bonuses may be available.
6. Are FBI Linguists considered federal employees?
Yes, they are under the federal GS system.
7. Do FBI Linguists need security clearance?
Yes, all must obtain Top Secret clearance.
8. Can FBI Linguists work remotely?
Some translation tasks may allow limited remote work, but most duties require presence at secure facilities.
9. How often do FBI Linguists get salary raises?
Raises happen through step increases, promotions, and federal pay adjustments.
10. How do FBI salaries compare to private sector linguists?
Private sector may pay less overall, but the FBI provides unmatched benefits and job security.
Conclusion
In 2025, the FBI Linguist salary in the USA is one of the most competitive in federal service. Depending on experience, grade level, and location, linguists earn between $42,000 and $160,000 annually. When factoring in federal benefits, bonuses, and career progression, the total compensation is highly rewarding.
For those passionate about languages, national security, and justice, a career as an FBI Linguist offers not only strong financial stability but also the chance to make a direct impact on protecting the nation.