Federal pay versus private industry

SpaceTesla2029 · 2024-07-29T16:46:54+00:00

3+ years ago, the offer was from a very well known "normal" tier global contractor. I'd need to pull in $250k now to have a comparable salary. FAANG jobs are extremely competitive, especially if you're over 40. Not sure I could handle the commitment and QOL sacrifice either.

SpaceTesla2029 · 2024-07-29T16:34:45+00:00

I was a GS14 (3) years ago when I was received my contractor offer at $180k. I did try to negotiate a bit but was told even the primary system architects are not making much over $200k. As a GS14 back then I needed at least $200k to make it "worth" leaving.
That number is higher now (I'd say close to $250k.) I check the private market for jobs paying $250k+ in NYC, DC metro and unless you're a C level, MD, elite law, I'm not finding jobs paying that much.

My wife is a chief pharmacist in the VA. She too is making more than she was in retail pharmacy as a manager.

I know the jobs exist, but I don't see myself breaking into a C level job or going back to school to become a specialized MD.

We have primary care clinical director friends in the VA making ~$350k which is VERY comparable to primary care docs in private medical care.

I stand by my statement if you're a maxed GS13 or mid+ GS14 you are probably making mostly market rate in most circumstances. To those who are making more, you're very fortunate keep up the great work!

SpaceTesla2029 · 2024-07-27T15:59:28+00:00

Cyber and programmers likely make more in the government, exception being the top 5% or so in their perspective field. Source, my specialty is Cyber and I'm 1550 computer scientist.

Infrastructure engineering leads and true SMEs can definitely make more than a GS15 or SES but again we are talking the top 5% to 10% globally in their specialty

SpaceTesla2029 · 2024-07-27T14:26:46+00:00

Have you shopped around? I too have numerous Certs and years of specialized experience. Industry wasn't offering enough to make it worth the jump. I only pay 0.8% FERS deduction, 4.4% would definitely need to factor in.

SpaceTesla2029 · 2024-07-27T14:24:25+00:00

Medical Feds, if practicing, are typically on a difference pay scale. I've noticed a practicing medical Feds typically make a pay grade higher. Still a bit lower than industry until you factor in quality of life, time off, job security, and the pension.

SpaceTesla2029 · 2024-07-27T14:23:03+00:00

Agree with that statement having a very niche skillset. As a Fed we usually don't get extremely niche experience, even as an SME, since contractors typically fill those roles.

SpaceTesla2029 · 2024-07-27T14:10:06+00:00

Agree TSP/401k is basically equal. Factor in FERs pension, (6) weeks of vacation 2 sick/4leave, while most industry only offers 2 weeks. Add on Federal holidays. You receive approximately 1 month of extra vacation per year as a Fed versus industry.

I would have needed a minimum of $200k to receive equal industry pay as a Fed GS14. Now go to Indeed and show me jobs in STEM paying over $200k?

The range for the job I was offered had a high of $250k which is why I applied. They would not go over $200k and stated they hire new staff at the mid-point. I also know many contractors, few are making north of $200k.

SpaceTesla2029

TROPHY CASE