Foreign Service Officer Salary in 2026
Serve as US government representatives in foreign countries on diplomatic assignments.
Median Salary
$78,000
$6,500/mo
Entry Level
$55,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$108,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Foreign Service Officer Overview
Serve as US government representatives in foreign countries on diplomatic assignments.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
3-7 years
Industry
Government
Total Jobs (US)
8K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Government
Hourly Rate
$37.50/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,500
Foreign Service Officer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Foreign Service Officer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Foreign Service Officer Salary
$90,000
$7,500/month · $3,462/biweekly · $43.27/hr
Foreign Service Officer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Foreign Service Officer field.
Entry-level Foreign Service Officers earn around $55,000, while the top 10% earn $126,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Foreign Service Officers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $92,000 | +$14,000 |
| New York | $90,000 | +$12,000 |
| Maryland | $84,000 | +$6,000 |
| Virginia | $83,000 | +$5,000 |
| Texas | $76,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Foreign Service Officers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $98,000 | +$20,000 |
| New York | $92,000 | +$14,000 |
| Washington DC | $90,000 | +$12,000 |
| Baltimore | $81,000 | +$3,000 |
| Houston | $77,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Foreign Service Officer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Foreign Service Officer from entry level to expert.
$55,000
0-2 years
$82,000
3-7 years
$108,000
8-14 years
$145,000
15+ years
Related Government Jobs
Foreign Service Officer Salary FAQ
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