Long-Term Prospects

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Job Satisfaction

General quality of life statement

You might have noticed that the salary for people who major in foreign languages isn't all that high. Sure, $33,000 isn't pocket change, but it's well below the average household income ($51,000). In fact, for every language, foreign language graduates make less than other majors. C'est la vie, right?

It doesn't get much better when we head over to see if these grads are happy in their jobs. Less than half of those who major in a foreign language report loving it. Oy vey.

While it's not the most high-paying degree, and the job market can certainly be rough when first starting out, life as a foreign language major has the potential to be extraordinary. Many schools offer an education abroad program, where you can live in the country of your choice and practice your mad language skills. You are also very qualified to teach English in these countries.

Why stay at home when you can travel the world as an interpreter? If you know French, there are over two dozen countries that call that their official language. Spanish? About twenty, and that's not counting countries like the U.S. or Belize where millions of people speak it, but it's not the "official" language.

Then there's ancient languages like Latin and Greek that many scholars use every day. While the pay might not be stellar, the experience certainly makes up for it. Viva la vida, we say, Shmoopers. Go for it.

25th Percentile Salary

Median Salary

75th Percentile Salary

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