Government Salary and Benefits
The salaries for most government jobs are based on a "General Schedule" (GS) pay scale. This civil service system has starting salaries ranging below $20,000 to much higher. The average salary for all occupations being about $54,000. Federal jobs that are hard to fill may offer special pay rates that are higher than average and there are salary differentials based on location. In addition, there are generous benefits including health insurance, sick and vacation leave, child care and a pension.
Government Job Search
The best place to start looking for a government job is on the USAJobs web site. The First-Timers Start Here section explains how the system works. Users can search for jobs, build a resume online and sign-up to receive job postings via email.
Agency and Department Job Sites
If you're interested in working at a specific government agency or department, you'll find career information available on the careers section of the agency web site:
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
- FBI Jobs
- Foreign Service Careers
- Internal Revenue Service Jobs
- Post Office Jobs
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Jobs
- US Government Departments and Agencies
Government Jobs for Students and College Graduates
Student Financial Assistance (SFA), in partnership with the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM), has a web site just for students seeking government employment.
Students and recent graduates can visit
StudentJobs.gov to search for summer jobs, co-op positions, temporary work and federal internships for college graduates.
There are other sites which provide information and resources for finding a government job. For a full list, visit our
Government Jobs directory.
More Information
Applying for Federal Government Jobs
Instructions on how to apply for a government job.
Government Job Search Tips
Tips and suggestions for finding a government job.
