Do people who speak more than one language earn more money? The answer is a resounding “yes”. There is a clear link between speaking multiple languages and enhanced career prospects, improved cultural understanding, and higher earnings.
According to a study by Euro London, which is a language specialist recruitment agency, knowing a second language can add between 10% and 15% to an individual’s wage. Language bonuses even vary depending on the specific language one is proficient in. The Economist reports that Spanish speakers receive a 1.5% salary boost, French speakers earn a 2.3% increase, and German speakers receive 3.8% more. Therefore, it is safe to say that language skills can be a valuable asset in any career.
So, what languages do the most successful individuals in the world speak? Forbes released its World Billionaire List for 2022, and as it turns out, a staggering 32% of the richest people in the world speak another language.
Chinese, French, and Spanish are the top languages spoken by billionaires on the list. China is already the third-largest country in the world and has become an economic powerhouse, so it's no surprise that many billionaires are learning the language. French is a language of diplomacy and is an essential skill for many professionals who work in international business, while Spanish is spoken in many countries around the world and often used as a primary or secondary language in the United States.
Interestingly, Elon Musk, despite regularly being the wealthiest person on earth, only speaks one language. However, other billionaires like Benard Arnault, chief executive of LVMH Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton SE who has a net worth of $158 billion, speaks French, English, German, and Italian. He has a diverse language palette, which may have helped him in his career as LVMH does business all around the world.
Another example is Sergey Brin, a co-founder of Google who can speak Russian besides his first language, English. Michael Bloomberg is a billionaire who speaks Spanish as his second language, while Mukesh Ambani, director of Reliance Industries Ltd, who has a net worth of $90.7 billion, can speak English and Gujarati, a dialect spoken by over 46 million people across India, the United States, and the UK.
Learning how to speak German can be a highly lucrative skill to acquire. According to Euro London, this language can earn speakers well over 125,000 euros in various bonuses. Germany is a major economic force and there are many opportunities for German speakers in industries such as engineering, technology, and science. French, on the other hand, is among the most widely studied languages globally, and is especially useful for those interested in career fields such as media, diplomacy, and fashion. Spanish speakers have the advantage of being able to communicate with about 500 million people worldwide in their native language and could work in fields such as tourism, marketing, and interpretation.
Knowing a second language could also help members of the US military earn more by as much as $1,000 per month. It's no surprise that language bonuses are continually growing as businesses and individuals keep seeking viable income streams. More professions than ever require bilingual professionals, and having language skills opens up many lucrative job opportunities in today's global economy.
In conclusion, speaking a second language can be beneficial for a career in many ways, including higher earnings and expanded job opportunities. Billionaires' language choices demonstrate that languages like Chinese, French, and Spanish are among the most useful and valuable for a successful career. However, one's specific career interests and target company or industry should determine what language to learn to maximize returns on the investment of time and effort.
