9 Careers for Spanish Majors
¿En qué trabajas?
Many Spanish majors find themselves asking what's next after graduation. Should they teach? Continue their studies? Try something different altogether?
If you're in this position, you're in luck. You studied something very valuable! Spanish is the world's second most widely spoken native tongue. It's also an official language in more than 20 countries. Speaking it fluently can open a wide range of doors—both personally and professionally.
Especially in the US, where Spanish is spoken by more than 38 million people, there are lots of careers to consider. From jobs in education to government, travel to public health—there's no limit where your Spanish degree might take you.
Let's take a look at some of the most common jobs for Spanish majors, and whether they might be a fit for you.
This article will be covering the following careers:
| Career | Avg Salary | Satisfaction | Your Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher | $68k | 3.1/5 | |
| Event Planner | $58k | 3.5/5 | |
| Flight Attendant | $62k | 3.4/5 | |
| Social Worker | $63k | 2.9/5 | |
| Journalist | $41k | 3.5/5 | |
| Tour Guide | $26k | 3.6/5 | |
| Translator | $44k | 3.2/5 | |
| Community Health Worker | $48k | 3.3/5 | |
| Detective | $90k | 3.7/5 |
Are these careers suited to you? Our comprehensive career test measures your personality traits and interests and matches you to over 800 careers.
1. Teacher
It may be the obvious choice, but for many Spanish graduates, it's the right one. Some choose to earn their teaching certification after graduation, so that they can help high school students master the language. Others find work as personal tutors or as instructors in private language schools. Whatever the specifics, this job is both challenging and highly rewarding.
Teacher
A teacher serves as a guide, mentor, and facilitator in the learning journey of students.
2. Event Planner
Above all else, community leaders need to serve their residents. And that means offering events and programming in a language they feel comfortable in. For this reason, some Spanish majors find success in event planning careers. In this dynamic role, they'll help organize concerts, film festivals, street fairs, and more to bring the local hispanic community together.
Event Planner
An event planner specializes in organizing and executing various types of events, ranging from small gatherings to large-scale conferences and weddings.
3. Flight Attendant
There are very few formal requirements to become a flight attendant. However, speaking a second (or third) language fluently is a major asset. In this highly social role, Spanish majors can use their skills to help customers feel calm and secure during their flight. They'll also get a chance to travel themselves—offering a unique opportunity to practice their Spanish in some exotic places.
Flight Attendant
A flight attendant is a member of an airline's cabin crew who is responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers during flights.
4. Social Worker
Social workers often serve the most vulnerable residents in their community. To do so effectively, they aim to make their clients feel as safe and comfortable as possible. In many cases, that means offering their services in Spanish—the language their clients speak most fluently. Empathetic Spanish majors with a passion for helping others can thrive in this role.
Social Worker
Social workers are dedicated to helping people overcome personal and societal obstacles by providing support, resources, and advocacy.
5. Journalist
As the Spanish-speaking population continues to grow, so does the Spanish-language publishing industry. Spanish majors with a way with words can put their degree to work in this fast-paced career. Whether they write for a newspaper, magazine, or website, they'll enjoy pitching story ideas, interviewing influential figures, and crafting compelling narratives that educate the community.
Journalist
A journalist investigates, gathers, and reports news and information to the public through various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online platforms.
6. Tour Guide
Got the travel bug? Becoming a tour guide might be for you. Tour guides work almost everywhere, sharing stories, history, and travel tips with travelers and tourists. They might work in museums or historical sites, or run tours of the city they live in. Some choose to stay in their home town, showing visitors around the place they know and love best. Others keep moving throughout their careers, offering tours to Spanish-speaking tourists all over the globe.
Tour Guide
A tour guide provides assistance, information, and guidance to individuals or groups of tourists during their travels.
7. Translator
Do you love to play with words and expressions? Are you fascinated by the nuances of language and expression? Translation is an intellectually stimulating career requiring excellent skills in at least two languages, plus an understanding of the different cultural norms associated with each. Translators work with written and spoken texts, helping non-native speakers enjoy books, articles, plays, speeches, and more.
Translator
Translators specialize in converting written or spoken content from one language to another while preserving its meaning, context, and nuances.
8. Community Health Worker
Community health workers play a vital role in maintaining the health of any neighbourhood. They implement fitness and nutrition programming, help people access important wellness services, and conduct public health research. To serve their communities effectively, they need to speak the local language—which, in many places, is Spanish.
Community Health Worker
A community health worker (CHW) acts as a liaison between community members and healthcare services.
9. Detective
It may come as a surprise, but Spanish speakers are in high demand with organizations like the CIA or FBI. In this fast-paced and ever-changing career, Spanish majors can help defend the nation from terrorism and other criminal acts. They'll investigate cases, track down suspects, and enforce federal laws. Working closely with the Spanish-speaking population, they'll conduct interviews and gather evidence to uphold justice across the country.
Detective
A detective specializes in solving crimes and gathering evidence to support legal proceedings.