Compensation and Benefits
Health Benefits Plans
Choice of extensive array of Federal Employment Health Benefits Plans, with costs shared by the Government. Employees are eligible to enroll in a wide variety of health insurance plans, including fee-for-service plans and health maintenance organizations. The employee's portion is paid through payroll deductions.
Thrift Savings Plan (equivalents to 401(K) with Government matching)
Foreign Service Specialists may participate in the Thrift Savings Plan; a long-term savings and investment program for federal employees designed to provide retirement income.
Life Insurance
Foreign Service Specialists are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance plan (FEGLI). The FEGLI plan offers low rates that are paid through payroll deductions. The U.S. Government pays one-third of the cost of this insurance.
Participation in the FEGLI plan is voluntary. The plan is intended as a form of immediate protection against financial hardship or loss in the event of death. It is not offered as a form of term life insurance with a cash value, such as might be purchased through private insurance agents.
Long Term Care Insurance
Long Term Care Insurance is offered and carries into your retirement.
Annual Leave
Vacation/Personal Leave; maximum ceiling or limitation of accrual is 30 days per leave year for employees assigned to the US; maximum ceiling or limitation of accrual is 45 days per leave year for employees assigned overseas.- 4 hours per pay period or 13 days per leave year for less than 3 years of federal service
- 6 hours per pay period or 20 days per leave year after 3 years of federal service but less than 15 years
- 8 hours per pay period or 26 days per leave year after 15 years of federal service
Sick Leave
Accrued at a rate of 4 hours per pay period, 13 days per leave year
Family Medical Leave
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 provides Federal employees with an entitlement of up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for the following purposes:- The birth of a son or daughter of the employee and the care of the newborn;
- The care of a child, spouse or parent of the employee with a serious health condition; or
- A serious health condition of the employee that makes an employee unable to perform the major functions of the job.
Allowances and Incentives
There are five general types of allowances and incentives: foreign travel per diem allowances, cost of living allowances, recruitment and retention incentives, quarters allowances, and other allowances. For detailed information, please click here.
Student Loan Repayment Program
The State Department ranks near the top of all federal agencies offering the Student Loan Repayment Program. Since the program's implementation in 2002, this recruitment and retention incentive has assisted more than 1700 Civil Service and Foreign Service employees pay down considerable student loan debt. Foreign Service employees are eligible to apply when assigned to and encumbering positions at designated criteria hardship and/or danger pay posts around the world. For Foreign Service employees the purpose of the program is to encourage assignments to the more challenging U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Since implementation in 2002, annually the Department has approved payments of close to $5,000 be made to the lenders of qualifying Department of State employees.
Queries regarding the specifics of our Student Loan Repayment Program may be directed to the Department at SLRP@state.gov. A response will be forthcoming within two business days.
Ten paid holidays per year
(In addition to the above holidays, the U.S. Government also observes some local holidays celebrated at overseas posts of assignment.)
Child Care Center
The Department sponsors two on-site child care centers: Columbia Plaza or State Department Annex-1, across the street from the Harry S. Truman Building between 21st and 23rd Streets NW in Washington, D.C., and the Foreign Service Institute's Child Care Center on-campus in Arlington, VA. Both centers provide excellent curriculum-based programs for infants through pre-school and the "Diplotots" Center, located at SA-1, also offers kindergarten.
Child Care Subsidy Program
A child care subsidy program is available to U.S.-based Department employees meeting certain criteria. This independent program provides child care subsidy assistance for employees whose total family income does not exceed $68,000. Families who meet this and other legislatively requirements may be able to receive from 20% to 50% of their total child care expenses.
Credit Union and Fitness Facility
and a host of other on-site services such as a U.S. Post Office barber/beauty shops, dry cleaner and gift/card shops at Main State.
Employee Consultation Service
Staffed by licensed, clinical social workers to provide counseling and referrals for personal and family concerns.
Employee Recreation Association
Discount tickets to movies and sporting events.
IQ: INFORMATION QUEST
A counseling, education and referral service to help employees manage personal and professional responsibilities (e.g., adoption, adult care).
Voluntary Leave Transfer Program
A federal program that enables one federal civilian employee to transfer annual leave to another federal employee who faces a personal medical emergency or a medical emergency of a family member.
Salary Determination for Foreign Service Specialists
Foreign Service Specialist career candidates enter the Foreign Service at the appropriate entry grade listed in the specific Specialist Vacancy Announcement. The salary awarded within the grade (step) is determined based on education and work experience.
For the current FS pay schedule, click here.
