Diplomatic Couriers

Diplomatic couriers ensure the secure movement of classified U.S. Government material across international borders.

• Qualifications
• Salary and Benefits

View the Diplomatic Courier brochure.

For more information, contact us at DSRecruitment@state.gov.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship
• 21 years of age
• Associate level degree 
• If required, registration under the Military Selective Service Act
• Undergo a thorough background investigation and qualify for a Top Secret security clearance
• Pass a stringent medical exam and be available for worldwide assignment
• Be willing to travel and accept assignments throughout the world. Couriers are required to live and work a substantial portion of their career overseas.
• Be willing to spend the majority of their time traveling
• Foreign language ability is desirable, but not mandatory
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze problems and identify significant factors, gather pertinent information, recognize solutions and implement action, plan and organize work, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Diplomatic couriers are responsible for the safe and secure movement of diplomatic pouches throughout the world. Couriers are required to safeguard and escort diplomatic pouches containing classified and sensitive material, between U.S. diplomatic missions overseas and the Department of State. Today these materials are more than papers and files. Diplomatic pouches may contain thousands of pounds of equipment and construction materials bound for sensitive posts. Travel and independence highlight the career of a diplomatic courier.

Diplomatic couriers are assigned to one of nine regional diplomatic courier offices located in Washington, DC; Frankfurt, Germany; Bangkok, Thailand; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Dakar, Senegal; Pretoria, South Africa; Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire; Seoul, Korea; or Manama, Bahrain. Couriers are assigned responsibilities on a regional basis and serve embassies and consulates in that region. Diplomatic couriers serve a substantial portion of their careers in travel status and overseas.

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Salary and Benefits

Starting salaries range from $ 33,304 to $48,908, depending on qualifications, location of assignment, and related specialized experience. Satisfactory performance earns employees automatic grade and pay increases during the first 3 years. Thereafter, promotions are competitive based on the recommendations of annual selection panels.

An excellent benefits package includes:

• Group life and health insurance
• Annual and sick leave accrual; retirement plan
• Government-provided quarters or housing allowance overseas
• Home leave to the United States between overseas assignments
• Rest and recuperation leave, with transportation partially paid, when employees and their dependents are assigned to designated hardship posts
• Cost of living allowance
• Educational allowance for dependents under certain circumstances
• Danger pay at designated posts
• Moving expenses for assignments

A high level of responsibility, good opportunities for promotion, and an excellent benefits package await you.

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