Government

What does the do?

The Department of State (State Department, DOS) is an executive branch agency responsible for conducting US foreign policy and diplomatic relations. Its functions include negotiating treaties, representing the US in international organizations, issuing passports and visas, coordinating refugee and humanitarian assistance, and overseeing foreign aid and embassy operations. It was established in 1789. 

Data updated January 23, 2025
In FY 2024,

$38.8B

was spent by the State Dept.
In FY 2024,

0.6%

of federal spending was by the State Dept.

How much does the US Department of State spend?

The State Department spent $38.8 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2024. This was 0.6% of the $6.8 trillion in overall federal spending. The department ranked fifteenth among federal agencies in total spending.

The State Department accounted for 0.6% of all federal spending in FY 2024.

Share of DOS net spending compared to the top ten highest spending agencies in FY 2024

Federal spending may shift over time due to population growth, changes in policy and programs, and emerging problems to address. Adjusting for inflation, the State Department’s federal spending has increased from $10.4 billion in 1980 to $38.8 billion in 2024.

The State Department’s federal spending in FY 2024 was higher than in FY 1980.

Yearly federal net spending by DOS, adjusted for inflation (2024 dollars), FYs 1980–2024

Since 1980, the State Department's spending has increased 272.5%, while overall spending has increased 193.7%.
The department’s spending grew more than overall spending, which means that the department’s share of the federal budget increased. In 2024, the State Department accounted for 0.6% of all federal spending. That’s 0.2 percentage points lower than 2014 and 0.1 points higher than in 1980.
Major legislation, internal or global economic conditions, and acute events like the COVID-19 pandemic can affect spending year to year. For example, the federal budget fluctuated during the pandemic, rising from $5.3 trillion (in 2023 dollars) in 2019 to $7.7 trillion in 2020 and $7.8 trillion in 2021.

The State Department’s share of federal spending in FY 2024 was higher than in FY 1980.

Percentage of federal budget dedicated to DOS, FYs 1980–2024

Most federal spending can be categorized as direct or indirect. Direct spending refers to money the federal government spends on budget items such as federal programs, employee salaries, and debt interest. Indirect spending refers to federal transfers to state and local governments.
In FY 2024, the State Department transferred less than 0.05% of its total spending to states and local governments.
The chart below outlines all DOS spending.

How did the State Department spend its budget in 2024?

Federal government net spending isolated to DOS, FY 2024

Who leads the Department of State?

The State Department is headed by the secretary of State, who is nominated by the president, confirmed by the Senate, and then sworn into office. They are one of the 15 cabinet members who serve at the president’s discretion. This appointed position typically ends when the appointee resigns, is replaced, or when a new president assumes office and appoints their own cabinet, though some may serve temporarily during transitions between administrations.

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Methodology

USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.

Page sources

USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.

  • Office of Management and Budget and US Department of the Treasury

    Budget of the US Government and Monthly Treasury Statement

    Office of Management and Budget and US Department of the Treasury logo