In today's turbulent economic environment, an increasing worry for the American worker is job stability. The government offers job stability. If you are currently looking for a job, consider the government as an employer. Federal, state and local governments offer many of the same benefits as private-sector employers and have a competitive pay scale.
The Federal Government as an Employer
Have you ever thought of the federal government as an employer? There are many reasons to consider working for the federal government. Uncle Sam is always hiring. There are approximately 18,000 job listings every day. The job outlook for federal employees is stable. State and local governments also hire professional employees and offer many of the same benefits as the federal government. State and local government jobs may not be as recession proof as federal jobs, which are not jeopardized by downsizing and economic conditions. For this reason alone, federal government employment may be more appealing than private-sector employment. If you want to obtain a top-paying government position, you should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in your related field. Top-paying jobs are available in a variety of fields.
Engineers
Engineers work in every department of the government. Key departments that hire engineers are the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Transportation. As a federal engineer, you can earn as much as $104,000 annually.
Computer Engineers and Systems Analysts
Computer engineers and systems analysts are employed throughout the federal government, writing programs and operating computer maintenance systems to keep flowing freely the mountain of information that the government processes daily. As a computer engineer or systems analyst, you can expect to earn $100,000 annually.
Health Care Professionals
The government employs many health care professionals, including physicians and registered nurses. A majority of these positions are within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Physicians can receive signing bonuses for continued services agreements. In 2008, the government employed 13.4 million people in health-related jobs. A physician can expect to make between $100,000 and $150,000 working for the federal government. Registered nurses earn approximately $60,000 to $70,000 annually.
Scientists
The Department of Agriculture is a top employer of life scientists who specialize in fields such as conservation and forestry. Job openings are also available in other departments for meteorologists, geologists and physicists. Scientists' earnings average $70,000 to $80,000 annually.
Executive, Administrative and Managerial Workers
Top-paying job openings falling under this category include accountants, auditors and purchasing agents. The government also hires entry-level workers to fill such positions as administrative assistants and bookkeepers, as well as shipping and receiving and other types of personnel. The pay can vary depending upon your education level and experience. A qualified accountant can make $60,000 annually.
Benefits of Government Employment
As an employer, the government provides jobs that compete closely with private-sector jobs. Job stability is an attractive feature of government employment. The government does not fire at will. A protocol for firing an employee must be followed, which gives employees some sense of job security. In some instances, employees may substitute job experience for education in a related field. Many times, the government will pay you to further your education, which is a valuable fringe benefit of government employment. Other attractive benefits for government employees include paid sick and vacation time, flexible work options and health insurance coverage for the worker and his or her dependents.
