Why English matters for your career
English has become a key tool for accessing better job opportunities. According to a study by the EF English Proficiency Index, professionals with a high level of English can earn up to 35% more than those who do not speak the language. What is more, sites such as LinkedIn and Glassdoor report that many companies offer bonuses and promotions to employees with recognised English certifications.
Key data on the impact of English on salary
- A report by Randstad Research notes that 60% of management positions require advanced English.
- According to InfoJobs, job adverts that require English offer salaries that are on average 30% higher .
- Michael Page, the international recruitment firm, notes that English is a decisive criterion in internal promotions within multinational companies.
Official English certifications and their impact on your pay
Official English certifications are a qualification recognised by companies worldwide. Holding one can mean a pay rise and make promotion easier.
Which English certifications are most valued?
| Certification | Awarding body | Scope of recognition |
|---|---|---|
| TOEIC | ETS | International companies |
| IELTS | British Council, IDP, Cambridge | Academic and professional |
| Cambridge English (FCE, CAE, CPE) | Cambridge University | General and professional |
| BULATS (now Linguaskill) | Cambridge University | Companies and business |
| TOEFL | ETS | Academic and professional |
- A real example: companies such as BBVA and Accenture award salary bonuses to employees who certify a C1 level or above in English.
📩 Would you like to sit the First certificate in English or any other language certification?
Internal promotion schemes based on your level of English
Many companies run internal promotion programmes in which English is a core requirement. Depending on the sector and the company, an advanced level can be the difference between a mid-level post and a management position.
Companies with promotion tied to English
- Santander: takes English into account in its corporate leadership programme.
- Inditex: requires English for promotion to international management roles.
- Repsol: uses English as a decisive factor in promotions in technical and commercial areas.
How does English affect a pay rise?
According to Hays Recruiting, an employee with C1 English can aspire to a salary that is 20-50% higher in sectors such as finance, marketing and technology.
Salary bands and bonuses for English
Companies offer financial incentives to employees with language skills. Below are some salary bands by level of English, based on studies by Robert Walters and Page Personnel:
| Level of English | Estimated salary (annual) |
| Basic (A1-A2) | 18.000 – 24.000 € |
| Intermediate (B1-B2) | 25.000 – 40.000 € |
| Advanced (C1-C2) | 45.000 – 80.000 € |
| Bilingual | 80.000+ € |
- A real example: in consultancy, a Project Manager with C1 English can earn up to €15,000 more a year than a colleague without a language certification.
English is an investment that pays off
If you want to improve your pay packet and open up new job opportunities, certifying your level of English is one of the most profitable decisions you can make. From salary bonuses to internal promotions, the impact of the language on a career is undeniable.
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