A new study of over 7,700 job listings has shed light on the most coveted and lucrative second languages for employers across the UK.
According to the research, Spanish tops the list as UK Employer the most desirable second language for job seekers. However, when it comes to salary, it ranks fifth, with an average annual pay of £42,263. In contrast, German emerges as the highest-paying second language, commanding an impressive average salary of £45,795. Portuguese and Italian also offer substantial earnings, following closely behind.
The study, conducted by LTL Language School, examined 7,717 job listings on Indeed that specified a requirement for a second language. The analysis identified the ten most sought-after languages and their associated earning potentials, based on average annual salaries.
Top Five Most Desirable Second Languages
- Spanish
- German
- Italian
- French
- Mandarin Chinese
Spanish leads the demand, appearing in 1,576 job listings (20%). Despite its popularity, it falls to fifth place in terms of earning potential among the most requested languages.
German is the second most desirable language, featuring in 1,479 listings (19%). Its global significance contributes to its high demand among UK employers.
Italian ranks third, mentioned in 1,038 (13%) of job UK Employer descriptions, while French is the fourth most sought-after, found in 847 (11%) of listings.
Mandarin Chinese, the world’s second-most spoken language, rounds out the top five. It was required in 775 (10%) of the analysed job listings.
Top Five Highest-Paying Second Languages
- German
- Portuguese
- Italian
- French
- Spanish
The study reveals that German offers the highest average salary, £45,795, which is 31% above the median UK salary across all sectors.
Portuguese follows, with an average annual salary of £44,463. Italian ranks third with an average of £44,214, 26% above the median UK salary.
French, though fourth in desirability, provides the fourth-highest salary at £43,490.
Spanish, while the most in-demand, ranks fifth in pay, with an average annual salary of £42,263.
Andreas Laimbock, CEO and co-founder of LTL Language School, commented on the findings: “It’s insightful to see which second languages are most valued by employers and which offer the greatest financial rewards. The growing global demand for multilingualism is reflected in these figures.
Also Read : +44 20 3322 2305
“Learning a second language not only opens doors to new career opportunities but also enhances cognitive abilities and personal development. Effective communication with diverse groups boosts networking and market expansion, vital for employers expanding their teams.
“Furthermore, multilingual individuals often exhibit improved problem-solving skills, greater concentration, and potential cognitive benefits in later life. Thus, mastering a second language can significantly impact both career prospects and overall well-being