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Foreign Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compensation Technician

Charleston, SC · On-site

$49K - $61K/yr

S. Foreign Service employees, Department of State Civil Service employees and Locally Employed (LE) staff. They provide both American and LE Staff payroll services for U.S. Agencies Overseas and ...

Compensation Technician

Charleston, SC · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

S. Foreign Service employees, Department of State Civil Service employees and Locally Employed (LE) staff. They provide both American and LE Staff payroll services for U.S. Agencies Overseas and ...

Payroll Technician

Charleston, SC · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

S. Foreign Service employees, Department of State Civil Service employees and Locally Employed (LE) staff. They provide both American and LE Staff payroll services for U.S. Agencies Overseas and ...

S. Foreign Service employees, Department of State Civil Service employees and Locally Employed (LE) staff. They provide both American and LE Staff payroll services for U.S. Agencies Overseas and ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Foreign Service information

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$12

$24

$40

How much do foreign service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for foreign service in the United States is $24.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $28.85 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.

What jobs are there in Foreign Service?

The Foreign Service offers a variety of roles including Foreign Service Officer, Diplomatic Security Officer, Consular Officer, Political Officer, Economic Officer, Public Diplomacy Officer, and Management Officer. These positions involve representing the country abroad, managing diplomatic missions, and supporting international relations, often requiring language skills, security clearances, and diplomatic training.

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.

Does the Foreign Service pay well?

The Foreign Service offers competitive salaries that vary based on grade, experience, and location, with additional benefits such as housing allowances and health insurance. Entry-level officers typically start with a salary in the mid to high range for government positions, and pay increases with seniority and promotions. Overall, it provides a stable income with opportunities for advancement and additional allowances for international postings.

How hard is it to get into the Foreign Service?

Getting into the Foreign Service is competitive and requires passing a rigorous exam, a thorough background check, and an interview process. Candidates often need strong communication skills, relevant experience, and proficiency in foreign languages or area studies. The selection process can take several months and involves multiple assessments to evaluate suitability for diplomatic roles.
More about Foreign Service jobs
What cities are hiring for Foreign Service jobs? Cities with the most Foreign Service job openings:
What states have the most Foreign Service jobs? States with the most job openings for Foreign Service jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Foreign Service jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Foreign Service jobs are:
Infographic showing various Foreign Service job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,214 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Haitian-Creole Language Instructor (In-Person)

International Center for Language Studies

Washington, DC • On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 29 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 Haitian-Creole 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 Haitian-Creole to adults in a full-time setting
Native-level proficiency in Haitian-Creole
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.