10 Highest Paying International Relations Jobs to Consider

10 Highest Paying International Relations Jobs to Consider

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We used the latest data and insights to identify the highest paying international relations jobs so that you can learn and earn more.

Have you ever wondered what the highest-paying international relations jobs are? Well, wonder no more.

We’ve researched and compiled a list of the top 10 highest-paying international relations jobs for you! From working for the UN or the World Bank to being a political affairs officer, there’s something for everyone on this list.

We sourced information from career websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Here are the best-paying jobs for international relations majors.

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#10. Public Relations Specialist

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Payscale
  • Low Range: $39,000 per year
  • High Range: $75,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $52,781 per year
Highest Paying International Relations Jobs : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

Public relations specialists are a breed of people who understand that good business is about creating positive relationships between your company and the public. They work to build strong brands, increase sales, and improve the reputation of their clients.

In other words, they’re the people who make sure your company is seen in a positive light. They manage the media, create marketing campaigns, write press releases, and more.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

These specialists typically have a strong background in communications, but they might also have a degree in business or marketing.

Who’s hiring for this job?

Public relations specialists work for companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. They might also have their own companies that provide PR services to clients who need help with marketing or public relations issues.

What is the best way to get this job?

One way to get this job is to earn a bachelor’s degree in public relations from an accredited college or university. 

After you graduate, you can apply for entry-level positions with companies that provide PR services. You may also want to consider earning a master’s degree to advance your career as a public relations specialist.


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What is it like to be a public relations specialist?

#9. Consular Officer

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: ZipRecruiter
  • Low Range: $17,500 per year
  • High Range: $149,500 per year
  • Median Pay: $58,261 per year
Highest Paying International Relations Jobs : Credits: Pixabay
Credits: Pixabay

What do they do?

Consular officers are responsible for issuing visas, passports, and other travel documents for citizens of their countries. They also help to prevent illegal immigration and assist in cases where travelers are arrested or detained.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

This job doesn’t have specific education requirements. Consular officers have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field such as political science, international relations, or a related area. They must have strong customer service and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Who’s hiring for this job?

Consular officers work for the government, private, and nonprofit organizations. They work in different countries around the world, depending on their employer.

What is the best way to get this job?

Consular officers can get this job through a number of methods. You may apply for a position with an employer after graduating from college. Some employers have a pre-employment process that includes taking the Foreign Service Officer Test.

If you are selected to continue in the application process, you will be required to complete a series of interviews with representatives of the employer. You may also need to pass medical and security clearances before being hired.


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What is it like to be a consular officer?

#8. Language Specialist

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Comparably
  • Low Range: $34,000 per year
  • High Range: $175,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $61,380 per year
Highest Paying International Relations Jobs : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

Language specialists are experts in one or more foreign languages. They can translate documents, teach language classes, and interpret speeches and conversations. Language specialists also have a deep knowledge of the history and culture of their target language region.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

These international relations jobs require a strong background in their target language and a broad understanding of other cultures. Most of these international relations professionals hold a bachelor’s degree in linguistics, business, or English. However, some employers may accept candidates with a general liberal arts degree.

Who’s hiring for this job?

Language specialists work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses. They may work remotely or travel to foreign countries regularly.

What is the best way to get this job?

If you want to become a language specialist, you should consider taking language classes and studying abroad in your target language region. The more languages you know, the better your chances of finding an international relations job.

Who can be called a language specialist?


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#7. Nonprofit Program Coordinator

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Salary.com
  • Low Range: $50,974 per year
  • High Range: $82,375 per year
  • Median Pay: $65,501 per year
Highest Paying International Relations Jobs : Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash

What do they do?

A nonprofit program coordinator coordinates the activities of a non-profit organization. They plan events, fundraisers, and other initiatives that help support their cause. Program coordinators may also be responsible for developing marketing materials for potential donors and volunteers.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

This job typically requires one to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. A master’s degree could also be required, depending on the job.

Who’s hiring for this job?

Nonprofit program coordinators work for various non-profit organizations, including hospitals and schools. They may also work in government agencies or be self-employed as consultants.

What is the best way to get this job?

The best way to get this program coordination job is to have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field. You could also get some experience by volunteering at local charities and non-profit organizations. 

Once you’ve gained some experience and built up your resume, apply for jobs with these types of organizations.


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What is it like to be a nonprofit program coordinator?

#6. Political Affairs Officer

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: ZipRecruiter
  • Low Range: $20,000 per year
  • High Range: $223,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $75,332 per year
Highest Paying International Relations Jobs : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

Political affairs officers are responsible for working with international governments and organizations to facilitate communication. These officers work to develop policies that promote the interests of their country while also promoting international cooperation and understanding.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

Many positions in this field require advanced education, but there are some entry-level positions available. To be successful in this field, it is important that you have a strong understanding of international relations and diplomacy.

Who’s hiring for this job?

Policy affairs officers work for national governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). 

They are responsible for creating and implementing policies that affect people’s lives both at home and abroad. Policy affairs officers often specialize in specific areas such as trade, security, or the environment.

What is the best way to get this job?

To get this job, you must have a bachelor’s degree in international relations or political science. You should also be familiar with the policies and procedures of the organization for which you wish to work. 

A master’s degree is often required for entry-level positions but may not be necessary if your previous work experience is extensive.


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What is it to be a political affairs officer?

#5. Foreign Policy Analyst

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Glassdoor
  • Low Range: $48,000 per year
  • High Range: $122,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $76,074 per year
Highest Paying International Relations Jobs : Credits: Pixabay
Credits: Pixabay

What do they do?

A foreign policy analyst is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and reporting on information related to international affairs. This can include anything from economic development to political conflict and everything in between.

Foreign policy analysts work closely with government officials and other political leaders to help them decide how best to respond to current events worldwide.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

These policy analysts typically have a background in political science, international relations, or other related fields. Therefore, they hold an international relations degree or one in political science.

Who’s hiring for this job?

Many foreign policy analysts work for think tanks or other non-governmental organizations, although some find employment within government agencies.

What is the best way to get this job?

One good way to get this job is to become an expert in international relations or political science. You should then look for ways to apply your knowledge through internships, volunteer work, and other related experiences. 

If you are interested in working for a government agency or think tank, then it is important that you take advantage of networking opportunities as well.

What is it like to be a foreign policy analyst?


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#4. International Relations Lecturer

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Comparably
  • Low Range: $40,150 per year
  • High Range: $151,940 per year
  • Median Pay: $76,370 per year
Highest Paying International Relations Jobs : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

An international relations lecturer is a professor who teaches classes related to global politics, diplomacy, and other aspects of international affairs.

The duties may include:

  • Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in international law, politics, history, economics, and other subjects related to international relations.
  • Preparing course materials for classroom lectures and exams
  • Helping international relations students with their academic progress

What degrees and skills are usually required?

This job requires you to have a background in the field of international relations as well as experience teaching college courses. Therefore, most international relations lecturers hold a master’s degree in international relations and have taught other classes as well.

Who’s hiring for this job?

International relations lecturers work for colleges, universities, and private research organizations. They may also be employed by government agencies or international organizations such as the United Nations.

What is the best way to get this job?

If you are interested in becoming an international relations lecturer, you should consider getting an advanced degree in the same field. This will give you the expertise to successfully teach at the college level.

What is it like to be an international relations lecturer?

#3. Immigration Specialist

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Salary.com
  • Low Range: $60,220 per year
  • High Range: $106,885 per year
  • Median Pay: $80,199 per year
Highest Paying International Relations Jobs : Credits: Pixabay
Credits: Pixabay

What do they do?

An immigration specialist is a person who specializes in the field of immigration law. They may be employed by an agency that aids immigrants in the process of entering or leaving the country. Or they may work for a company that employs foreign workers.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

According to Zippia, immigration specialists hold a bachelor’s degree in a field such as law, political science, or international relations. They may also have experience working as an attorney or immigration officer.

Who’s hiring for this job?

Job opportunities are available in government agencies, law firms, and private companies.

What is the best way to get this job?

There are many ways to get this job. You can begin by researching the field and determining which path you want to take. If you want to work in government, then find out what qualifications are necessary for a position at your local or state agency. 

If you’re interested in working for a private company, research their hiring practices and see how they recruit new employees.

What is it like to be an immigration specialist?

#2. Lobbyist

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Comparably
  • Low Range: $18,102 per year
  • High Range: $480,369 per year
  • Median Pay: $100,561 per year
Highest Paying International Relations Jobs : Credits: Pixabay
Credits: Pixabay

What do they do?

A lobbyist works to influence government policy by representing the interests of a client. Corporations or nonprofits often pay them to represent their interests in Congress or state legislatures. 

Lobbyists can specialize in specific issues, such as health care or immigration law. They may also be generalists who work on behalf of multiple clients simultaneously.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

Lobbyists typically have undergraduate international relations degrees. One in public relations, communications, law, political science, or economics may help you get the job.

Who’s hiring for this job?

Job opportunities are available for lobbyists in almost every industry, from health care to agriculture to entertainment. They must be aware of the interests of their clients and how those interests fit within the larger political landscape.

What is the best way to get this job?

The best way to get this job is to find an internship at a lobbying firm and learn how the industry works. This will give you a good idea of whether it’s right for you. 

After that, you’ll need to get your foot in the door with a job at a small lobbying firm, where you can gain experience and learn how to negotiate. From there, it’s all about networking and being able to find jobs with companies that have interests related to yours.

What is it like to be a lobbyist?

#1. International Lawyer

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: ZipRecruiter
  • Low Range: $75,000 per year
  • High Range: $228,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $129,827 per year
Highest Paying International Relations Jobs : Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash

What do they do?

International lawyers work in some of the most exciting and interesting fields. They help companies do international business, negotiate contracts, and provide legal counsel to foreign governments.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

The education requirements for these lawyers are similar to those for attorneys, but they may have more of an emphasis on international law. 

International lawyers hold a law degree and take additional courses in international law. They may also be required to study a foreign language and get a working knowledge of the culture where they plan to work.

Who’s hiring for this job?

Job opportunities for international lawyers are vast. They can work for governments or non-governmental organizations. Some also choose to open their own practice.

What is the best way to get this job?

The best way to get this job is to earn a law degree. Then, find an internship with a law firm that focuses on international law. This can help you get experience and move up the ladder.

What is it like to be an international lawyer?


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Conclusion

This blog has been a whirlwind, and we’re so glad you came along for the ride. We hope you’ve taken away some great information about the highest-paying international relations careers and how to approach them.

If you want to know more about any of the topics we’ve covered, don’t hesitate to reach out. We love hearing from our readers and would love to get your feedback on this blog post.

Thanks again for reading, and good luck in your future endeavors.

Insider Tips
🚀 A thoughtful CV is more likely to get a thoughtful response. Often "thoughtful" just means you have taken the time to understand what they need and reflect that understanding on your CV. 
🤖 Use Jasper to tailor the CV and cover letter for you to 10X your interviews.
💡 Check out these tools to boost your productivity and impact.


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SJ Tsai
Chief Editor. Writer wrangler. Research guru. Three years at scijournal. Hails from a family with five PhDs. When not shaping content, creates art. Peek at the collection on Etsy. For thoughts and updates, hit up Twitter.

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