If you are someone who is very passionate about global affairs or diplomacy, then a career in international relations (IR) might just be for you. The question about international relations being a good career for you might come to your mind, but this blog will help you clear your confusion.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through some of the highest-paying jobs in international relations, the degrees you’ll need, the countries offering the best salaries, and tips to land your dream job. So, without any delay, you can turn your passion into a high-paying career.
Table of contents
- What is International Relations?
- Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in International Relations
- 1. Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer
- 2. International Lawyer
- 3. Intelligence Analyst
- 4. Policy Advisor (Govt/NGOs)
- 5. Political Risk Analyst
- 6. International Trade Specialist
- 7. Global Program Manager (NGOs/UN)
- 8. Economist (Global Institutions)
- 9. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
- 10. UN Officer / International Organisation Staff
- Best Degrees for High-Paying IR Jobs
- Countries That Pay the Most in International Relations
- Tips to Land the Highest-Paying IR Jobs
- FAQs
What is International Relations?
International relations is the study of how countries interact with each other through politics, economics, law, and diplomacy. It covers everything from global trade and international conflict to human rights and environmental cooperation. If you’re someone who enjoys current affairs, is curious about world politics, or wants to contribute to global peace and development, IR could be your path.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in International Relations
Looking to build a global career? Explore the highest-paying jobs in international relations that blend diplomacy, law, policy, and development, perfect for students aiming to make a real-world impact abroad. Here’s a list of high-paying international relations jobs you should definitely explore:
1. Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer
Diplomats are the face of a nation abroad. They represent their country’s interests in political, economic, and cultural matters. As one of the highest-paying jobs in international relations, this role requires deep knowledge of global affairs, negotiation skills, and sometimes knowledge of local languages. They often work in embassies or consulates, travelling frequently to meet international partners.
| Detail | Description |
| Job Title | Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer |
| Average Salary | USD 70,000 – USD 150,000/year |
| Top Hiring Countries | USA, UK, Canada, Australia |
| Education Required | Master’s in International Relations, Political Science |
| Key Skills | Diplomacy, Negotiation, Communication, Cultural Awareness |
| Growth Path | Junior Diplomat → Political Officer → Ambassador |
2. International Lawyer
International lawyers handle legal disputes between countries, global companies, or human rights cases. They work on treaties, trade laws, and cross-border issues. This is one of the highest-paying jobs in international relations, especially if you work with international courts, the UN, or global law firms. A law degree with a specialisation in international law is a must.
| Detail | Description |
| Job Title | International Lawyer |
| Average Salary | USD 90,000 – USD 160,000/year |
| Top Hiring Countries | Switzerland, USA, Netherlands |
| Education Required | LLM in International Law |
| Key Skills | Legal Analysis, Negotiation, Research, International Law |
| Growth Path | Legal Associate → International Legal Advisor → Legal Counsel (UN/NGO) |
3. Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence analysts work with governments or defence organisations to assess threats to national and international security. They study data, monitor political trends, and provide insights that guide foreign policy. As part of the highest-paying jobs in international relations, this career is both exciting and impactful. Most positions are in national security agencies or think tanks.
| Detail | Description |
| Job Title | Intelligence Analyst |
| Average Salary | USD 65,000 – USD 130,000/year |
| Top Hiring Countries | USA, UK, Australia |
| Education Required | Degree in International Relations, Security Studies |
| Key Skills | Data Analysis, Critical Thinking, Research, Security Intelligence |
| Growth Path | Research Assistant → Analyst → Lead Intelligence Officer |
4. Policy Advisor (Govt/NGOs)
Policy advisors help shape government or NGO policies on topics like foreign aid, education, or human rights. They write reports, assess data, and make strategic recommendations. This role is ideal if you enjoy research and public service. It’s a solid pick among the highest-paying jobs in international relations, especially in government agencies or global nonprofits.
| Detail | Description |
| Job Title | Policy Advisor |
| Average Salary | USD 60,000 – USD 120,000/year |
| Top Hiring Countries | Canada, USA, Germany |
| Education Required | Master’s in Public Policy, IR |
| Key Skills | Policy Writing, Research, Communication, Strategy |
| Growth Path | Policy Analyst → Advisor → Senior Policy Consultant |
5. Political Risk Analyst
Political risk analysts evaluate how political changes or instability in a region can impact businesses or government projects. Companies and banks rely on their insights before investing in foreign markets. It’s one of the highest-paying jobs in international relations, particularly for those who enjoy politics, economics, and strategy.
| Detail | Description |
| Job Title | Political Risk Analyst |
| Average Salary | USD 70,000 – USD 140,000/year |
| Top Hiring Countries | UK, Singapore, UAE |
| Education Required | Degree in International Relations, Economics |
| Key Skills | Risk Assessment, Regional Analysis, Research |
| Growth Path | Analyst → Risk Consultant → Risk Director |
Also Read:
6. International Trade Specialist
These professionals advise businesses and governments on global trade regulations, export laws, and customs practices. They are essential in helping countries and companies expand their trade links. Given the global focus on trade, it’s considered one of the highest-paying jobs in international relations, especially for those with business acumen.
| Detail | Description |
| Job Title | International Trade Specialist |
| Average Salary | USD 60,000 – USD 110,000/year |
| Top Hiring Countries | USA, China, Germany |
| Education Required | International Business, Economics |
| Key Skills | Trade Compliance, Analysis, Policy, Negotiation |
| Growth Path | Trade Analyst → Consultant → Senior Trade Advisor |
7. Global Program Manager (NGOs/UN)
Global program managers oversee large-scale projects related to education, health, or disaster relief. They work with international NGOs or the UN and manage cross-border teams and budgets. It’s one of the most fulfilling and highest-paying jobs in international relations if you enjoy development work with impact.
| Detail | Description |
| Job Title | Global Program Manager |
| Average Salary | USD 75,000 – USD 130,000/year |
| Top Hiring Countries | Switzerland, USA, Belgium |
| Education Required | Master’s in IR, Development Studies |
| Key Skills | Project Management, Communication, Budgeting |
| Growth Path | Project Officer → Program Manager → Director of Programs |
8. Economist (Global Institutions)
Economists in institutions like the UN, World Bank, or IMF analyse global trends and advise countries on financial policies. They create models and economic reports to shape decisions on loans, development, and aid. As one of the highest-paying jobs in international relations, it combines analytical skills with real-world impact.
| Detail | Description |
| Job Title | Economist (Global Institutions) |
| Average Salary | USD 80,000 – USD 150,000/year |
| Top Hiring Institutions | World Bank, IMF, UN |
| Education Required | Master’s/PhD in Economics |
| Key Skills | Quantitative Analysis, Policy, Forecasting |
| Growth Path | Research Associate → Economist → Lead Policy Economist |
CSR managers work in large companies to make sure they give back to society. They manage partnerships, environmental policies, and social impact programs. If you want to work in the corporate sector but still make a global difference, this is one of the best, highest-paying jobs in international relations.
| Detail | Description |
| Job Title | CSR Manager |
| Average Salary | USD 70,000 – USD 125,000/year |
| Top Hiring Countries | UK, Canada, UAE |
| Education Required | MBA / Master’s in Global Affairs or Sustainability |
| Key Skills | Communication, Project Management, ESG |
| Growth Path | CSR Analyst → Manager → Global CSR Director |
10. UN Officer / International Organisation Staff
Working for the UN or international bodies like the WHO or UNESCO means being involved in global peace, health, education, and human rights. It’s among the highest-paying jobs in international relations and offers stability, prestige, and global exposure. Entry is competitive but worth the effort.
| Detail | Description |
| Job Title | UN Officer / International Organisation Staff |
| Average Salary | USD 80,000 – USD 160,000/year |
| Top Hiring Cities | Geneva, New York, Vienna |
| Education Required | Master’s in IR, Public Administration |
| Key Skills | Multilingualism, Policy, International Law |
| Growth Path | Intern → Officer → Director / UN Special Advisor |
If you’re aiming for high-paying international relations (IR) careers, the right degree matters. Here’s a list of the best degrees that can open doors to global, well-paying IR jobs.
Best Degrees for High-Paying IR Jobs
To land a well-paying job in this field, your education matters a lot. Many students also pursue language certifications or short courses in diplomacy, which add a lot of value to their profiles. Here are the degrees that employers look for:
| Degree | Suitable Jobs |
| Bachelor’s in International Relations/Political Science | Entry-level jobs, research assistant, analyst |
| Master’s in International Relations / Public Policy | Diplomat, policy advisor, global NGO roles |
| MBA with Global Affairs Focus | CSR manager, trade specialist |
| LLM in International Law | International lawyer, UN legal officer |
| PhD in Political Science / IR | Think tank roles, UN researcher, professor |
Also Read:
Countries That Pay the Most in International Relations
If you’re planning a career in international relations, choosing the right country can make a huge difference to your salary and career growth. Some countries pay significantly more due to high demand, global influence, and strong international institutions. Let’s explore the best countries to study international relations.
| Country | Average Salary (USD) | Popular Work Areas |
| USA | USD 85,000 – USD 160,000 | Government, NGOs, UN, research |
| Switzerland | USD 90,000 – USD 170,000 | International law, UN, humanitarian |
| United Kingdom | USD 70,000 – USD 140,000 | Diplomacy, political analysis |
| Canada | USD 65,000 – USD 120,000 | Policy, development, CSR |
| Germany | USD 60,000 – USD 110,000 | EU affairs, migration policy |
| UAE | USD 75,000 – USD 130,000 | Risk analysis, business diplomacy |
Pro Tip: Choose your study destination wisely; studying in the same country where you want to work later can increase your chances of getting hired.
Tips to Land the Highest-Paying IR Jobs
If you’re dreaming of a top-paying job in international relations, it’s never too early to start preparing. Whether you’re just entering college or about to finish your degree, these tips will guide you step-by-step toward your goal. Let’s break them down for you:
1. Choose a Specialisation
International Relations is a broad field. Try to narrow down your interest. Are you passionate about international trade? Or maybe security, environmental policy, or human rights? Specialising early gives you a competitive edge when applying for jobs and internships later.
2. Learn Foreign Languages
Languages like French, Arabic, Mandarin, and Spanish are game-changers. Many international organisations prefer multilingual candidates. Even knowing one foreign language can open doors to global opportunities.
3. Apply for Internships
Start early. Organisations like the UN, World Bank, and global NGOs offer internships specifically for students. These experiences are golden; they boost your resume and help you build real-world connections in the IR space.
4. Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile
Recruiters and diplomats check LinkedIn, too! Keep your profile updated, add achievements, and connect with professionals in the field. It’s your digital resume, make it shine.
5. Stay Informed
Follow international news daily, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Reuters, etc. It’s not just about staying updated, it also helps you sound sharp in interviews and class discussions.
6. Pursue Higher Education
Most of the highest-paying IR jobs require a Master’s degree or even a PhD. If you can, plan ahead for grad school. Aim for globally recognised universities or specialised IR programs.
7. Prepare for Competitive Exams
If you want to be a diplomat or work in public policy, you may need to crack entrance exams like the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) or similar exams in your country. Start preparing while you’re still a student, it gives you a head start.
Choosing international relations as a career isn’t just about studying world politics, it’s about being part of change that shapes the world. And yes, it can pay really well if you make the right moves. If you dream of representing your country, shaping policy, or working for the global good, international relations offers meaningful, high-paying career paths.
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FAQs
The top 1% of international relations professionals in India can earn upwards of INR 65 lakhs per year. Roles like international lawyer or foreign service officer can offer high salary potential with experience.
In India, the average starting salary for BA International Relations graduates ranges from INR 4-7 lakhs per annum. There are some of the best universities to study Bachelor’s of International Relations. This can increase with experience in roles like policy analyst or public relations officer.
It’s difficult to definitively say which job has no salary, as most work is compensated. However, unpaid internships or voluntary positions would technically fit this description.
In India, Public Relations Directors can earn the highest salaries, averaging around INR 22 lakhs annually. Internal Communications Managers also command high pay, around INR 19.5 lakhs per year.
Pursuing internships with organisations like the UN, World Bank, or global NGOs can provide valuable experience. Additionally, participating in study abroad programs and attending international conferences can enhance your exposure.
Certifications in areas like international law, global trade, or diplomacy can enhance your resume. Additionally, language certifications and courses in international policy can be beneficial.
Salaries vary widely based on role and location. For example, the average annual salary for a foreign service officer is around USD 127,231, while international lawyers can earn approximately USD 148,514 annually.
Yes, being fluent in languages like French, Arabic, Mandarin, or Spanish can significantly enhance job prospects and salary potential in international relations roles.
Starting from entry-level analyst positions, professionals can advance to roles like senior policy advisors, ambassadors, or directors in international organisations, depending on experience and qualifications.
The field is competitive, especially for high-paying roles. However, with the right education, skills, and experience, there are ample opportunities in government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations.
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