If you speak more than one language, you can communicate with family and friends, and wow people you meet with your talents. But you might not know that people who can speak more than one language can earn more at work. Bilingual people earn about 2 percent more per year than people who speak just one language. That might only add $1,000 to a $50,000 salary, but over the course of your career, it could add up to significant additional earnings.
It helps if you know a language that’s less common in your region, as it can add major value for an employer who may not have someone on staff already who speaks that language. But whether you’re fluent in Russian or Spanish, it’s worth pointing out to potential employers—or even your current boss—that you’ve got additional language skills to share.