How to negotiate a higher salary if you speak foreign languages

In many industries, knowing foreign languages is a key skill that brings real value to employers: access to new markets, better communication with clients, and more effective teamwork across countries. Still, not all employees realize that they can turn this skill into a strong argument for a salary increase. 
 

Hipo.ro offers 2,295 active foreign language job opportunities. Unsurprisingly, English dominates the market, accounting for approximately 78.7% of listings (1,808 roles). German is the second most requested language, appearing in 15.3% of jobs, followed by French with 204 listings (8.9%). 





 

Here’s a list of companies that are actively recruiting foreign language candidates: 

➜ TELUS Digital 

➜ Amazon 

➜ Ranstad România 

➜ Recruitment Partner 

➜ Imagine Live 

➜ Veeam Software 




 

1. Know Your Value  
 

Speaking one or more foreign languages is a strong asset in today’s job market — especially in roles that involve communication, international clients, or global teams. Companies often save time and money by hiring someone who can bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. 
 

Before any negotiation, do a bit of research: 
 

• What’s the average salary for your role? 

• Are multilingual professionals paid more in your industry? 

• Can your language skills unlock access to markets, clients, or processes others can’t handle? 
   

2. Quantify Your Contribution 
 

Speaking a foreign language goes far beyond translating words — it allows you to actively contribute to business success. Your skills can help prevent misunderstandings with international partners, speed up communication and decision-making across teams, and improve client satisfaction by building stronger relationships. In many cases, knowing another language also opens access to new markets or regions that would otherwise remain untapped. These contributions have real value, and it’s important to highlight them clearly when negotiating your salary — ideally supported by specific examples or results you've helped achieve. 
 

Example: By handling calls and emails in German, I helped the company avoid hiring an external translator — saving both time and budget. 

3. Bring It Up Strategically 
 

Timing matters. The best moments to negotiate a raise are: 
 

• When taking on a new role or project; 

• After successfully completing a milestone (especially involving your language skills); 

• During performance reviews. 
   

Example: Given the added value I bring through my language skills and the recent results achieved, I’d like to discuss a salary adjustment that reflects this contribution. 

4. Back It Up with Market Data 
 

When negotiating a raise, it’s essential to move beyond your opinion and bring facts to the table. Use salary benchmarks, job listings, or market reports that clearly show higher compensation for roles requiring foreign language skills. This gives your request more weight and positions you as someone who understands his market value. 
 

Top Foreign Languages by Salary on Hipo.ro 
 

🔸Student / Graduate 
 

• Italian – 3500 – 9000 RON 

• Niche Languages (Russian, Greek, Turkish) - 3300 – 8000 RON 

• English – 3000 – 6000 RON 
   

🔸Entry Level 
 

• Nordic Languages (Swedish, Dutch) - 6000 – 11000 RON 

• Niche Languages (Russian, Greek, Turkish) - 3300 – 9000 RON 

• English, Italian, German – 2974 – 7000 RON  

• French – 4000 – 4825 RON 
  
  
   

🔸1 – 5 Years Experience 
 

• French – 2000 RON  
   

Speaking another language isn’t just a line on your CV — it’s a business advantage. When you know how to position it right, it can bring real financial rewards. So when you start a negotiation, don’t just ask for more — show them why you’re worth it.  

 

YOU'VE GOT THIS - GOOD LUCK!