Romance Languagesat California State University-Los Angeles
Graduates earn $20,433/yr in their first year — about 41.0% below the national Romance Languages average. Base-case 10-year earnings $477K; scenarios range from $449K to $475K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Cal State LA
The earnings figures for Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Cal State LA reflect a challenging combination of factors. Los Angeles is an incredibly competitive market, and while rich in cultural opportunities, entry-level roles for humanities graduates often face downward pressure on salaries, especially without direct professional pipelines. Many graduates pursue careers in education, non-profits, or local government, fields that typically offer modest starting compensation.
Furthermore, the "Very High" AI risk signals a significant shift in some traditional language-related careers, particularly interpretation and translation, where emerging technologies are rapidly changing job functions. To thrive, you'll need to strategically combine your linguistic expertise with in-demand practical skills, perhaps through a minor in business, marketing, or data analysis, or by pursuing a credential in a high-need area like K-12 bilingual education. Focus on roles where nuanced human communication and cultural understanding remain irreplaceable.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Cal State LA's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Romance Languages
How Cal State LA stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Cal State LA
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Cal State LA, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Romance Languages offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Romance Languages trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Romance Languages at Cal State LA
How does California State University-Los Angeles's Romance Languages program score?
This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Romance Languages. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Romance Languages to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Romance Languages careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 58% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Romance Languages earnings lower at California State University-Los Angeles?
Lower starting pay at California State University-Los Angeles may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.