Why does everybody think Feds are so underpaid?

[Anonymous]

Compared to teachers, social workers, even nurses, you're making a mint. Why so much whining about the salary?

[Anonymous]

I don't think we're"underpaid", but we are "paid less" than equivalent jobs in the private sector. Teacher salaries don't compare to those of Chemical Engineers. That's based on supply and demand.

However, I think we're paid fine given the hours of work. Per hour I probably make the same or more than others in my field.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Compared to teachers, social workers, even nurses, you're making a mint. Why so much whining about the salary?

For many, it is far less than they would make doing the same job in the private sector. In other words, they are not teachers, social workers and other jobs that pay less generally.

[Anonymous]

This topic comes up constantly. Some jobs are very overpaid (admin, HR, procurement, etc), some are very underpaid (petroleum engineers, lawyers, scientists).

Apart from the money, everyone is seriously undervalued. All you hear is news/Congress hating on you. The fact that Congress bashes on feds is particularly grating. Congress makes laws that we have to follow, but doesn't appropriate money. Congress makes laws for feds, but excludes themselves. Congress makes stringent requirements that create bureaucratic hurdles for us as well. The hypocrisy is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Compared to teachers, social workers, even nurses, you're making a mint. Why so much whining about the salary?

Your point is not too well thought out. LOL A Fed lawyer does not compare her salary to that of a teacher - she compares her salary to that of other lawyers. LOL

Signed,

A Fed lawyer who is former BigLaw who has NEVER complained about salary.

[Anonymous]

Actually, I think there are probably Government Social Workers that make more than their private sector counterparts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think we're"underpaid", but we are "paid less" than equivalent jobs in the private sector. Teacher salaries don't compare to those of Chemical Engineers. That's based on supply and demand.

However, I think we're paid fine given the hours of work. Per hour I probably make the same or more than others in my field.

I actually think that statement is only true for professional level jobs. I think admin level type jobs actually make more in government than in the private sector plus much more job security. The number of people making 6 figures in the Federal Government is pretty staggering.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Compared to teachers, social workers, even nurses, you're making a mint. Why so much whining about the salary?

Teachers don't work the same hours as feds. They have summers and winter breaks.

Nurses are paid pretty well. My mom is a nurse and at part time she makes 80k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think we're"underpaid", but we are "paid less" than equivalent jobs in the private sector. Teacher salaries don't compare to those of Chemical Engineers. That's based on supply and demand.

However, I think we're paid fine given the hours of work. Per hour I probably make the same or more than others in my field.

I actually think that statement is only true for professional level jobs. I think admin level type jobs actually make more in government than in the private sector plus much more job security. The number of people making 6 figures in the Federal Government is pretty staggering.

More people are making higher GS salaries than in the past because feds have more education than in the past and more things are automated, so we have less (or no) admin staff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think we're"underpaid", but we are "paid less" than equivalent jobs in the private sector. Teacher salaries don't compare to those of Chemical Engineers. That's based on supply and demand.

However, I think we're paid fine given the hours of work. Per hour I probably make the same or more than others in my field.

I actually think that statement is only true for professional level jobs. I think admin level type jobs actually make more in government than in the private sector plus much more job security. The number of people making 6 figures in the Federal Government is pretty staggering.

you are correct. I posted at 11:52 because I realized my own mistake but I think we were posting around the same time because I didn't see this.

.....amd, yes, many 6-figure salaries but, for my field, that's the norm and the figures are higher in the Private Sector (I'm in a technical field).

[Anonymous]

Oops, I mean 11:02.

[Anonymous]

Just to offer my own anecdote, DH and I both have Masters degrees, but work in different professions. After less than 2 years in my field I make more than he does, and he's been steadily moving up in the same federal agency for 6 years.

That said, he never complains about his salary. I do think there's fair compensation considering that his agency places priority on work/life balance and seems to really mean it, which I don't think he'd get in his field in the private sector.

[Anonymous]

Generally overpaid for those with less education but underpaid for those with more education or professionals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Generally overpaid for those with less education but underpaid for those with more education or professionals.

+1 My friend from college is a GS-13. She only has a BA with so so grades, while my other friend is a GS-12 attorney who graduated with honors. The difference is that while my GS-13 friend started working in the government right out of college, the other friend was studying for her JD. Years of experience are valued in the government.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Compared to teachers, social workers, even nurses, you're making a mint. Why so much whining about the salary?

Your point is not too well thought out. LOL A Fed lawyer does not compare her salary to that of a teacher - she compares her salary to that of other lawyers. LOL

Signed,

A Fed lawyer who is former BigLaw who has NEVER complained about salary.

The usual snide, supercilious response DCUM is known for. The issue has to do with time at work and overall purchasing power.