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Diplomat Salary in 2026

Represent the nation's interests abroad and manage diplomatic relationships with foreign countries.

Median Salary

$82,000

$6,833/mo

Entry Level

$55,000

starting pay

Senior Level

$118,000

experienced

Job Growth

+5%

10-yr outlook

Diplomat Overview

Represent the nation's interests abroad and manage diplomatic relationships with foreign countries.

Education

Master's Degree

Experience

5-10 years

Industry

Government

Total Jobs (US)

14K

5-Year Growth

+5%

Category

Government

Hourly Rate

$39.42/hr

Monthly Pay

$6,833

Diplomat Salary Calculator

Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Diplomat salary in your area.

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

Estimated Diplomat Salary

$97,000

$8,083/month · $3,731/biweekly · $46.63/hr

Diplomat Salary Range

Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Diplomat field.

25th Percentile$65,800
$66K
Median (50th)$82,000
$82K
75th Percentile$100,000
$100K
90th Percentile$136,500
$137K
Top Earners$155,000
$155K

Entry-level Diplomats earn around $55,000, while the top 10% earn $136,500 or more.

Top Paying States for Diplomats

StateEst. Median Salaryvs National
California$97,000+$15,000
New York$94,000+$12,000
Maryland$89,000+$7,000
Virginia$87,000+$5,000
Texas$80,000$-2,000

Top Paying Cities for Diplomats

CityEst. Median Salaryvs National
San Francisco$103,000+$21,000
New York$97,000+$15,000
Washington DC$94,000+$12,000
Baltimore$85,000+$3,000
Houston$81,000$-1,000

Required Skills & Certifications

Key Skills

International RelationsNegotiationLanguagesPolicy AnalysisCultural Competency

Certifications

Foreign Service Exam

Diplomat Career Progression

Typical salary growth path for a Diplomat from entry level to expert.

Entry Level

$55,000

0-2 years

Mid Career

$87,000

3-7 years

Senior

$118,000

8-14 years

Lead / Expert

$155,000

15+ years

EntryExpert

Diplomat Salary FAQ

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