Discover the roots of languages.
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Quick Stats


Salary Range
$43,000 – $116,000

Data from U.S. Department of Labor

What do Philologists do?

A Philologist has a love of language and, therefore, decides to study language(s). As a Philologist, you essentially choose a specific language or group of languages, and you examine its structure and development. Nothing fascinates you more than the way a sentence is strung together, the way a word can fit so perfectly or be completely wrong if off by even just one letter. You also enjoy history: You want to know why and how languages developed as they did.

But it’s not enough to know the origin or evolution of words. You compare words and syntax against other languages and language groups. How did they come to be so different from one another? You identify and classify obscure languages, and you study the history surrounding the text.

Additionally, you analyze ancient languages, which give you the roots of most of your studies. These show you where it all began, and how it all might end, too. You look at structures, changes, semantics, accents, grammar, and the way all of these affect literature.

So, where do you apply all of this wonderful knowledge? To literature. Your discoveries shed light on the Author and the context of their story.

You can also find Philologist jobs as a researcher or Teacher at a university, in the language, philosophy, history, or archaeology department. You’ll do a lot of research, translation, and traveling to foreign countries to study original texts.

Should I be a Philologist?


  • Also known as: Paleologist

    How to become a Philologist

    We recommend at least a Master's degree. Start by getting your Bachelor's. Check out these schools offering Philologist-related education!
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