Foreign Service Officer Low Salary? Other Jobs?

Question

I want to become a foreign service officer, but there is one thing keeping me from pursing that path. And that would be the salary. The job seems perfect, but I looked up the salaries on the U.S department state website and the salary was only 45,000 with a masters degree. I couldn't imagine myself making only in the 40,000's range with a Masters degree. That seems kind of ridiculous. Especially with inflation, and other factors (like my soon to be THOUSANDS of dollars in debt), it doesn't add too much.

I still like the job a lot though. So I was wondering if anyone knew if raises came quickly or if extra compensation was given. Or is it a job where your mostly stuck in that pay range until your mid 30's.

Answer 1

If you are interested in accumulating wealth, pedal your education and aspirations in the private sector - government service is best suited for people who have a sense of civic duty and sacrifice, not entitlement.

Answer 2

You're obviously smart and you may have already considered this, but $40K or $45K would go REALLY far in some Latin American, African, and Asian countries.