US Government Salary: What You Really Earn in Federal Jobs

When people talk about US government salary, the pay scale for employees working in federal agencies like the IRS, FBI, or Department of Defense. Also known as federal employee pay, it’s not just about base pay—it includes benefits, location adjustments, and step increases that change what you actually take home. Many assume all federal jobs pay the same, but that’s not true. A postal worker in rural Montana and a cybersecurity analyst in Washington, D.C. can earn completely different amounts—even if they have the same job title.

The General Schedule (GS) pay scale, the standard pay system for most white-collar federal employees. Also known as GS pay grades, it’s what drives most government salary discussions has 15 grades, from GS-1 to GS-15, and each grade has 10 steps. Entry-level positions often start at GS-5 or GS-7, while senior roles like agency heads or senior scientists hit GS-15. But here’s the catch: your salary doesn’t stop at the GS number. A GS-12 in San Francisco makes more than a GS-12 in Mississippi because of locality pay, an adjustment added to base pay based on where you live and work. Also known as cost-of-living adjustment for federal workers, it can boost your salary by 15% to over 35%. That’s why someone working for the IRS in New York City might earn $95,000, while their counterpart in Ohio earns $70,000 with the same title and experience.

It’s not just about job grade and location. Your salary also depends on your education, years of service, and whether you’re in a hard-to-fill role. Engineers, IT specialists, and medical professionals in federal jobs often get higher starting pay or special pay authorities to compete with the private sector. And don’t forget the benefits—health insurance, retirement plans (FERS or CSRS), paid leave, and telework options add real value that most private jobs don’t match.

There’s also a big gap between entry-level roles and top leadership. A GS-15 doesn’t mean you’re at the top. Senior Executive Service (SES) roles, which include agency directors and deputy secretaries, earn way more—often over $180,000, sometimes close to $200,000. These aren’t just promotions; they’re different job categories with different rules.

What you won’t find in most salary charts is how long it takes to move up. Most federal employees stay at one step for a year before moving to the next. Climbing from GS-7 to GS-15 can take 10–15 years, even with strong performance. And promotions aren’t automatic—you need to apply, compete, and sometimes relocate.

So if you’re wondering whether a federal job is worth it, the answer isn’t simple. The pay might not beat Silicon Valley or Wall Street, but the stability, benefits, and work-life balance make it a top choice for many. And with recent efforts to modernize pay systems and attract talent in tech and cybersecurity, the landscape is shifting faster than ever.

Below, you’ll find real-world examples and breakdowns of what people actually earn in federal roles—from entry-level clerks to senior analysts—so you know exactly what to expect, no guesswork.