New Delhi: A recent study has revealed that US-based diplomats receive the highest salaries among their counterparts in G20 nations, with China ranking near the bottom. The report, published by International Intrigue and cited by the South China Morning Post, compared the earnings of mid-level diplomats at their home offices, adjusted for purchasing-power parity.American diplomats topped the list with an average annual salary of $140,000, outpacing peers from other major countries. Brazil, South Africa, France, and Germany followed in the top five. In contrast, China and Indonesia were at the lower end, with salaries of $41,000 and $34,000 respectively. Notably, Asian countries, including India, occupied five of the bottom eight positions in the ranking. However, when salaries were compared to local median incomes, India ranked highest, while the US dropped to third place, and China remained near the bottom at 12th.More on the studyThe study, conducted by former Australian diplomats Jeremy Dicker, John Fowler, and Helen Zhang, aimed to establish a consistent basis for comparison by focusing on recently promoted mid-level diplomats. The analysis excluded countries like Argentina and Turkey due to high inflation, and Russia was also omitted due to its geopolitical stance following the 2022 Ukraine invasion.Although salary is not the primary motivator for joining the foreign service, it has become a significant factor in the departure of diplomats, especially amid ongoing global conflicts. According to Paul Sharp from the University of Minnesota Duluth, competitive compensation has grown in importance in diplomatic recruitment, reflecting a shift in how the pursuit of money is perceived.More challenger to face!Stephen Kelly, a former US diplomat, noted the high cost of training diplomats and highlighted the salary gap between government positions and the private sector, where opportunities are often more lucrative. Despite better pay, the US State Department still faces challenges, with 13% of its positions remaining unfilled.
