Salary and paid leave

Salaries at the Peace Corps conform to government-wide ranges approved by Congress. Each position has an assigned grade level, which sets the pay parameters for the position within the Peace Corps salary scale. Please refer to a specific vacancy announcement for a position's salary range.

Employees annually accrue 13 vacation days per year, which is extended to 20 days after just three years of service, and to 26 days after 15 years of service. Employees also accrue 13 days of sick leave per year.

Health insurance

Employees can enroll in one of the many health plans offered to federal employees. These include fee-for-service, point of service, and health maintenance organizations. The cost is shared by the government and no physical examination is required.

Life insurance

Low-cost life insurance is available. Like health insurance, the cost is shared by the government and no physical examination is required.

Retirement

New employees are automatically enrolled in a three-tier system that includes Social Security, a basic pension plan (Federal Employees Retirement System), and the Thrift Savings Plan. Under the Thrift Savings Plan, employees can contribute up to the maximum annual limit. The government will match the employee's contribution, up to a maximum of five percent of the employee’s basic pay.