United Nations (UN) salaries are not a single fixed amount but vary significantly based on the specific role, level of responsibility, experience, and duty station. The compensation structure is designed to attract and retain highly qualified professionals from around the world.
Annual Salary Ranges
For professional and higher-level positions, annual salaries at the United Nations can range widely. For instance, a Student Worker may earn approximately $41,585 per year, while a Chief Risk Officer could command an estimated annual salary of $255,130. These figures represent the broad spectrum of annual compensation within the organization.
Here's an overview of approximate annual salaries for select positions:
| Position | Approximate Annual Salary (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Student Worker | $41,585 |
| Chief Risk Officer | $255,130 |
Hourly Pay Rates
For roles compensated on an hourly basis, the pay also varies depending on the nature of the work. For example, the estimated hourly pay for a Bakery Clerk is around $20 per hour, whereas an Executive role could see hourly compensation of approximately $74 per hour.
Factors Influencing UN Salaries
Several key factors determine an individual's specific salary at the UN:
- Job Grade and Level: The UN employs a standardized grading system (e.g., General Service (G), National Professional Officer (NO), Professional (P), Director (D), Under-Secretary-General (USG)) with distinct salary scales for each. Higher grades generally correspond to more senior roles and higher salaries.
- Duty Station: Salaries are adjusted based on the cost of living at the specific duty station (city/country) where the staff member is posted. This includes a "post adjustment" which is a multiplier applied to the base salary to ensure purchasing power parity.
- Experience and Qualifications: Years of relevant experience, educational background, and specialized skills directly impact the starting salary and potential for career progression within the UN system.
- Family Status: Additional allowances may be provided for staff members with eligible dependents, such as a spouse and children.
- Type of Contract: Different contract types (e.g., fixed-term, temporary, short-term) may have slightly varying compensation structures and benefits.
- Benefits and Allowances: Beyond the base salary, UN staff members may receive various benefits, including health insurance, pension contributions, education grants for children, and home leave.
