Did you know that Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the world? It comes in as a close second only to Mandarin Chinese. In the United States alone, about 42 million people speak Spanish as their first language, and it’s one of very few languages that can help you communicate across multiple continents. It comes to no surprise, then, that a Spanish degree can open doors to a wide range of careers, some of which boast salaries up to $100,000 a year.  

Let’s look at some of the diverse career paths and job titles for Spanish degree holders. 

Education 

If your dream is to teach the next generation, a Spanish degree offers direct entry into the education sector. Language skills are in high demand in K-12 schools, especially as the number of Spanish speakers in the U.S. continues to grow. Teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) to Spanish speakers can be a highly rewarding career that only requires a bachelor’s degree. 

Once you’ve earned a master’s degree in Spanish, you’ll be able to teach Spanish language, literature or linguistics at the college or university level. You can also become a bilingual education specialist and contribute to inclusive classrooms. 

The mean salary for a foreign language teacher is around $88,000 a year, depending on qualifications and location. 

Translation and Interpretation 

Maybe you’re more of a translator or interpreter and see yourself bridging communication barriers. Translators convert written materials like documents, books, and legal records between Spanish and other languages. Interpreters often work in real-time, so you may find yourself in settings such as courtrooms, hospitals, conferences or government offices where immediate and accurate communication is essential. Salaries vary based on experience and skills, but the mean is about $63,080 a year. 

International Business and Trade 

If you’re looking to work in international trade or at a multinational company, there’s a growing need for bilingual professionals who can bridge language barriers and cultural differences. Salaries vary, but a Spanish degree can give you a competitive edge in roles like: 

  • International sales representative 
  • Marketing consultant 
  • Global account manager 
  • Cultural liaison 

Diplomacy and Government 

If you’re drawn to public service, there are many opportunities in law enforcement and international relations, with salaries varying based on the role and experience. Some of the roles that often require proficiency in multiple languages are: 

  • Foreign service officer 
  • Cultural attaché 
  • National security agent 
  • Immigration officer 
  • UNESCO official 

Spanish skills are in high demand for the FBI, as officials seek bilingual speakers to help fight crime, human trafficking and fraud.  

Healthcare 

With many Spanish speakers seeking medical care in the U.S., Spanish-speaking medical professionals are in high demand and ensure accurate communication with non-English-speaking patients. Some of the roles you can pursue in healthcare with a Spanish degree are: 

  • Medical interpreter 
  • Healthcare administrator 
  • Public health outreach 

If you plan on working in the medical field, a Certificate in Spanish for First Responders can be a great (and life-changing) addition to your repertoire.  

Tourism and Hospitality 

According to UN Tourism, Spain and Mexico offer some of the highest rates of tourism-related occupations globally. If you love travel and culture, this can be a fascinating field to pursue. Companies in international tourism are always in need of multilingual staff to cater to a diverse clientele, with roles like: 

  • Tour guide 
  • Travel agent 
  • Hotel manager or concierge 

Media and Communication 

Spanish majors with a love for journalism, content creation, or public relations are indispensable for Spanish-speaking audiences. With the growth of bilingual media outlets in the U.S. and Latin America, there are numerous opportunities for Spanish graduates in: 

  • Broadcasting 
  • Writing 
  • Social media management 

If you know both languages, you can cater to both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking audiences. Salaries vary based on the role and your experience. 

The number of new positions requiring bilingualism is projected to grow by 9,000 annually through 2031. Additionally, those who speak two languages or more can earn up to 20% more than their monolingual co-workers. The ability to communicate fluently in Spanish and understand Spanish and Hispanic cultures provides a competitive edge in today’s globalized world. 

Choose Your Path to Success at The University of Texas Permian Basin 

Did any of these careers pique your interest? UT Permian Basin offers a wide range of Spanish programs to cater to your career goals and aspirations, with the added perk of being 100% online. Choose from: 

No matter which career you decide to pursue, UT Permian Basin’s comprehensive and affordable programs can get you where you need to go. With year-round admissions, joining the Falcon Family is flexible and convenient, allowing you to take the next step on your own terms. ¡Nos vemos! 

Sources: 
https://blog.rosettastone.com/how-many-people-speak-spanish-a-full-breakdown-by-country
https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereknewton/2022/03/30/spanish-speakers-have-more-job-options-german-speakers-make-more-money/ 
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/foreign-language/foreign-language-field-of-degree.htm