Also called: State Department Courier
Personally carries classified documents and equipment between U.S. embassies around the world.
Diplomatic couriers fly constantly, escorting sealed pouches that can't leave their sight, sometimes riding in the cargo hold or on military planes. In one month they might visit 10 countries. There are only about 100 of them.
Federal Foreign Service pay scale; overseas posts add housing and hardship/danger pay.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's degree (or experience), Top Secret clearance, and willingness to travel nonstop.
Ways in: 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: International Relations, Criminal Justice, Logistics.
Growing slowly. Tiny specialty.
Low risk for 10 years. Couriers must physically carry sealed pouches; AI and automation do not change the core job of escorting them.
Classes: A foreign language, AP Geography, Physical education.
Official data: O*NET occupation 43-5021.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.