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Foreign Service Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

ARCTICOM LLC

Public Member Consultant

Washington, DC

One key requirement is to include a Public Member consultant on each of the Foreign Service Selection Boards to review the performance records of Foreign Service personnel; recommend employees for ...

US Department of State

Special Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$121K/yr

This position supports the Foreign Service Grievance Board (S/FSGB) established by the FS Act of 1980. FSBG decides appeals filed by Foreign Service Officers and Specialists serving in foreign ...

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$14

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$45

How much do foreign service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for foreign service in Washington is $27.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foreign service officer?

Foreign Service officers are diplomats who represent their home country abroad, working in embassies, consulates, and missions. They are responsible for promoting their nation's interests, protecting citizens overseas, and engaging in diplomatic negotiations. Their duties can include political analysis, economic reporting, consular services, and cultural exchange programs. Becoming a Foreign Service officer typically involves passing a competitive exam, undergoing thorough background checks, and completing specialized training.

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

To thrive as a Foreign Service Officer, you need a solid educational background, strong analytical abilities, and proficiency in at least one foreign language, often supported by a bachelor’s degree and passing the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT). Familiarity with international relations, government procedures, and specialized tools such as diplomatic communication platforms is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural adaptability, and resilience are vital soft skills for building relationships and navigating complex global environments. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively representing national interests and fostering international cooperation.

What are some common challenges foreign service officers face when adapting to new postings abroad?

Foreign Service Officers often encounter challenges such as adjusting to unfamiliar cultural norms, navigating language barriers, and adapting to different political or security environments. Each new assignment can require quick acclimation to local customs and regulations, which may impact both personal and professional life. Building effective relationships with local colleagues and the expatriate community is key, and ongoing training and support from the State Department help officers manage these transitions successfully.

What is the difference between Foreign Service vs Consular Officer?

AspectForeign ServiceConsular Officer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, diplomatic training, language skillsBachelor's degree, customer service experience, language skills
Work EnvironmentEmbassies, diplomatic missions worldwideConsulates, visa and passport offices
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of State, foreign serviceU.S. Department of State, consular services

Foreign Service and Consular Officers both serve in diplomatic roles for the U.S. government, often working at embassies or consulates. While Foreign Service officers handle a broad range of diplomatic duties, Consular Officers focus specifically on visa, passport, and citizen services. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and language skills, but their daily responsibilities and work environments differ slightly.

Does the Foreign Service pay well?

The Foreign Service offers competitive salaries that vary based on grade, experience, and location. Entry-level officers typically earn a salary comparable to other government positions, with opportunities for increases through promotions and assignments abroad. Benefits such as housing allowances, health insurance, and retirement plans also contribute to overall compensation.

How to get a job in Foreign Service?

To get a job in the Foreign Service, candidates typically need to pass the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT), complete an oral assessment, and undergo a thorough background check and medical exam. Strong communication skills, foreign language proficiency, and relevant experience in international affairs or public service are also important qualifications.

What jobs are there in Foreign Service?

Foreign Service offers a variety of roles including Diplomatic Officer, Consular Officer, Political Officer, Economic Officer, Public Diplomacy Officer, and Management Officer. These positions involve representing their country abroad, managing diplomatic relations, providing consular services, and supporting embassy operations, often requiring language skills, security clearances, and specialized training.

What are popular job titles related to Foreign Service jobs in Washington?

For Foreign Service jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Foreign Service jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Foreign Service jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Foreign Service jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Foreign Service job openings:

Foreign Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foreign Service job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,872 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Bulgarian Language Instructor (In-Person)

International Center for Language Studies

Washington, DC • On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Language Instructor (In-Person)
Description
The International Center for Language Studies (ICLS) is a woman-owned, independent language school based in Washington, DC with over 58 years of experience delivering high-quality training in ESL and over 85 foreign languages. The ICLS mission is to offer student-centered language programs that develop authentic target language use, focus on individual goals, and enable students to be successful in a global environment. ICLS prides itself on the breadth and depth of professional development offered to our instructors, which we see as an investment in their careers and the company’s future.
ICLS is currently seeking experienced Bulgarian instructors to teach adult professionals at the ICLS schoolhouse in Washington, DC. Teaching assignments vary and may be full-time, part-time, for private students and/or small groups, and may be at a wide range of proficiency levels.
Requirements:

Minimum of two years’ experience teaching Bulgarian to adults in a full-time setting
Native-level proficiency in Bulgarian
Possess at minimum a bachelor’s degree
Legal Authorization to work in the United States

Preferred:

Post graduate degree in teaching, second language acquisition, or a similar field
Familiarity with the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale
Curriculum development experience
Experience preparing students for DoD and Foreign Service proficiency testing
Familiarity with Educational Technology tools
Please submit a cover letter, including your earliest availability. Be sure to list all teaching experience clearly o your resume. No phone call, please. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply