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Consular Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Consular Officer information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$32

$76

How much do consular officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for consular officer in Virginia is $32.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $36.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a consular officer?

Consular officers are diplomats who work at embassies and consulates to assist and protect the interests of their country’s citizens abroad. They handle a variety of tasks, including issuing visas, providing emergency assistance to travelers, processing passport applications, and helping citizens in legal or medical trouble. Consular officers also promote cultural and economic ties between their home country and the host nation. Their work is crucial in facilitating travel, supporting expatriates, and ensuring the safety and rights of citizens abroad.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a consular officer?

To thrive as a Consular Officer, you need strong analytical abilities, cultural awareness, and a relevant bachelor's degree, often in international relations or a related field. Familiarity with visa processing systems, case management software, and sometimes foreign language proficiency is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and resilience are crucial for effectively assisting citizens and handling sensitive situations. These skills ensure accurate decision-making, effective public service, and the ability to navigate complex international environments.

What are the main challenges consular officers face when assisting citizens abroad?

Consular Officers often encounter situations where they must help citizens facing legal, medical, or emergency issues in a foreign country. Navigating local laws, language barriers, and cultural differences can make these cases complex and time-sensitive. Officers must remain calm under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and coordinate efficiently with local authorities and embassy staff. Adaptability and strong communication skills are crucial for providing effective support and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens abroad.

What is the difference between Consular Officer vs Visa Officer?

AspectConsular OfficerVisa Officer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, diplomatic or international relations experience, and sometimes language skillsUsually requires a bachelor's degree, experience in immigration or customer service, and knowledge of visa policies
Work EnvironmentEmbassy or consulate, handling diplomatic tasks and citizen servicesVisa processing centers or consulates, focusing on visa applications and interviews
Employer & IndustryGovernment foreign service, diplomatic missionsGovernment immigration agencies, consulates, or embassies

While both roles work within diplomatic and government settings, a Consular Officer handles a broader range of duties including citizen services and diplomatic tasks, whereas a Visa Officer primarily focuses on processing visa applications and related immigration matters.

How hard is it to become a consular officer?

Becoming a consular officer typically requires a competitive application process, relevant education such as a bachelor's degree, and experience in international relations, law, or public service. Candidates often need to pass written exams, interviews, and background checks, and may require language skills or specialized certifications depending on the posting.

What degree do you need to be a consular officer?

A consular officer typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as international relations, political science, or public administration. Relevant experience, language skills, and knowledge of diplomatic procedures are also important for the role.

What are popular job titles related to Consular Officer jobs in Virginia?

For Consular Officer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Consular Officer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Consular Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Consular Officer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,136 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer(.NET) - Secret Clearance

VMD Corp

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in McLean, VA, Xcelerate Solutions (www.xceleratesolutions.com) is one of America's fastest-growing companies. Xcelerate's culture is defined by our diversified workforce of dynamic and versatile professionals, supported with growth and development opportunities that contribute to individual and company growth. This strong commitment to our employees has been recognized by our inclusion on the Washington Business Journal's "50 Best Places to Work" list as well as being a "Great Place to Work" certified company with a 4.6 star, and a 99% CEO approval Glassdoor rating. Come find out why Xcelerate Solutions is one of the DC Metro top employers!
Job Description
VMD has an exciting opportunity for you to join as a Sr. Software Engineer (.Net) working in our Arlington, VA office. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:
Leverage your passion to develop strong, functional, and efficient code across legacy and modern platforms.
Work on highly talented Agile team(s) within SAFe-like methodology, to define architecture, design, build and implement solutions, and support development of internal and public-facing, web or mobile applications.
Provide technical knowledge, analysis, and troubleshooting of database applications and their production environments. Consult with customer and external contract teams to meet program and release goals.
Qualifications
Experience Needed to Be Successful:
  • 5 years hands-on experience with most of the desired technologies, tools, and platforms below:
  • Framework(s): ASP.NET, .Net 4
  • Language(s): C#, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, XML
  • Front-end Development: Bootstrap, AngularJS, MVC, AJAX, Web Services, Kendo
  • Database(s): Oracle 11g and 19c, PL/SQL, Toad
  • Platform/Tools: Visual Studio, IIS, Windows Server, HTTPS, Ansible
  • Strong Agile, SDLC, and DevSecOps process experience
  • Experience working in a consulting/services organization

Desired Qualifications and Experience:
  • Department of State or Bureau of Consular Affairs experience is a plus

Basic Qualifiers:
  • Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field
  • Can Additional Years of Experience Substitute for Degree? Yes
  • Minimum Years of Overall Experience: 5
  • Minimum Years of Specific Experience in Field: 5
  • Minimum Clearance to Start: Interim Secret
  • Work Status Allowable: US Citizen

The Type of Person That Will Excel:
  • You are curious, inquisitive, are always learning, and are team oriented
  • You have strong attention to detail.
  • You demonstrate personal accountability and integrity in all actions.

Travel and Telecommuting:
  • Travel: Little (less than 10%)
  • Telecommute Options: Currently hybrid remote, although customer could order us to return to Ballston location. Initial month will likely require daily work at Ballston office.

Additional Information
Xcelerate Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, equal pay, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or expression of another protected characteristic. As part of this commitment to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, Xcelerate provides reasonable accommodations if needed because of an applicant's or an employee's disability.
Pay Transparency Notice: Xcelerate Solutions will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.