How to Research Salary Ranges and Benefits for a Diplomat

A U.S. diplomat with the Foreign Service can expect to make an average annual salary in the range of approximately $32,000 - $54,000. Living overseas is a major benefit for many diplomats.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Guides
• Internet Access
• Computers

1. Visit the U.S. State Department Web site for current information about Foreign Service careers.

2. Consider the benefit of either free government housing or a separate housing allowance, if you become a diplomat and live abroad. The allowance includes the cost of the rent, electricity, water and heat.

3. Realize that medical, dental and insurance benefits are in addition to annual salaries.

4. Add the benefit of free travel to and from assignments abroad for family members of Foreign Service diplomats. If a child attends high school or college in the U.S, the government provides one round-trip airline ticket per year, so the student can visit the parents overseas.

Tips & Warnings

• Compare the value of the U.S. dollar in different parts of the world.
• Children of separated parents are also eligible for one round-trip ticket per year to visit the parent who is abroad.