Top 101 best paying government jobs
Top Paid Occupations in the U.S. federal government.
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Federal government jobs can be a great option for those looking for stability and a range of other benefits. They may also be able to secure high-paying positions, depending on your experience, education and skill set.
Government jobs offer many benefits, such as a secure income and opportunities for career growth. Additionally, government jobs often pay well above the average wage. If you’re interested in working in government, be sure to check out our list of high-paying jobs in government.
What are government jobs?
Government jobs can be found in a variety of fields, depending on your interests and career goals. If you’re looking for a job that reports to or enhances a federal, state or local government, you’ll likely be able to find one matching your skillset.
Benefits of government jobs
Some of the many advantages that come with a government job, regardless of which branch, include the following:
- Benefits:The government offers many benefits to its employees, including health insurance and pension plans, which are often better than those offered by other industries and companies.
- Competitive pay:Government employees typically receive a competitive salary, especially when promoted and/or advanced in their careers.
- Work-life balance:There are many government careers that offer a variety of work schedules, including part-time opportunities, remote work options or an unorthodox schedule. In most cases, you can also expect to have federal holidays off of work. This flexibility can help you achieve a balance between your personal and professional life.
- Varied career paths:There are many government jobs available, regardless of your interests. Federal, state and even local governments are always in need of talented individuals.
- Job satisfaction:Government employees are typically rewarded for their intelligence and hard work, which makes them a desirable option for those who appreciate challenging careers. Many of the things they do – from pioneering new policies to delivering essential services – have the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives.
- Location:There are many different types of government careers out there, so whether you’re looking for a job in your local municipality or at the federal level, chances are good that you can find something that fits your interests and skills.
- Advancement opportunities:Government employees can take advantage of comprehensive training and advancement opportunities to help them excel in their role. With a position in government, you can achieve your career goals and continue to grow in your position.
Top Paid Occupations in the U.S. federal government.
The table below shows the top 100 most well-paid occupations in the federal government in 2021, ranked by average pay. In 2021, the medical officer job with an average yearly pay of $255,213 was the highest-paying position. The securities compliance examining job follows with an average of $205,652 which is a decrease of 19.42%.
| Rank | Occupation Title | Average Pay | Highest Paid Individual |
| 1 | Medical Officer | $255,212.58 | $456,028 |
| 2 | Securities Compliance Examiner | $205,651.96 | $259,300 |
| 3 | Dental Officer | $192,701.65 | $404,865 |
| 4 | Administrative Law Judge | $181,144.47 | $183,300 |
| 5 | Patent Administrator | $177,885.29 | $203,858 |
| 6 | Border patrol agent | $177,772.38 | $226,400 |
| 7 | Patent Attorney | $176,007.06 | $199,300 |
| 8 | Technical Systems Program Manager | $169,191.74 | $228,656 |
| 9 | Chief Engineer | $162,282.88 | $177,429 |
| 10 | Podiatrist | $162,210.02 | $288,344 |
| 11 | Patent Classifying | $157,634.39 | $172,719 |
| 12 | Program Manager | $156,884.50 | $350,713 |
| 13 | Metallurgist | $156,871.92 | $199,300 |
| 14 | Astronomy and Space Scientist | $152,671.36 | $198,022 |
| 15 | General Mathematican/Statistician | $151,970.09 | $258,100 |
| 16 | General Attorney | $150,294.83 | $296,339 |
| 17 | Physicist | $149,478.19 | $256,797 |
| 18 | Financial Manager | $149,089.81 | $321,426 |
| 19 | Pharmacologist | $147,439.24 | $312,912 |
| 20 | Mathematician | $146,801.25 | $275,800 |
| 21 | Fish and Wildlife Administrator | $145,607.21 | $239,160 |
| 22 | Financial Analyst | $142,876.88 | $273,400 |
| 23 | Patent Adviser | $142,289.83 | $160,036 |
| 24 | Actuarial Scientist | $141,879.45 | $204,300 |
| 25 | Mediator | $141,556.01 | $192,800 |
| 26 | Health System Administrator | $140,905.20 | $220,008 |
| 27 | Air Safety Investigator | $139,908.96 | $172,500 |
| 28 | Computer Scientist | $139,069.66 | $244,907 |
| 29 | Aerospace Engineer | $136,617.03 | $210,781 |
| 30 | Financial Institution Examiner | $136,500.69 | $296,339 |
| 31 | Electronics Engineer | $136,339.38 | $204,300 |
| 32 | Patent Examiner | $136,134.42 | $186,800 |
| 33 | Computer Engineer | $135,858.20 | $209,098 |
| 34 | Naval Architect | $135,639.27 | $173,500 |
| 35 | Air Traffic Controller | $135,628.81 | $226,579 |
| 36 | Education Researcher | $135,066.81 | $173,274 |
| 37 | General Engineer | $134,715.96 | $255,800 |
| 38 | Transportation Industry Analyst | $134,142.64 | $174,450 |
| 39 | Operations Researcher | $133,847.89 | $288,750 |
| 40 | Zoologist | $133,623.31 | $182,787 |
| 41 | Employee Benefits Lawyer | $133,573.25 | $199,300 |
| 42 | Oceanographer | $132,556.03 | $199,300 |
| 43 | Foreign Affairs Personnel | $132,220.61 | $221,400 |
| 44 | Pharmacist | $131,752.50 | $231,640 |
| 45 | Foreign Agricultural Affairs Personnel | $131,737.80 | $199,187 |
| 46 | Economist | $131,693.24 | $288,610 |
| 47 | Cryptanalyst | $131,619.44 | $174,732 |
| 48 | Budget analyst | $131,504.00 | $131,604 |
| 49 | Materials Engineer | $131,441.84 | $194,934 |
| 50 | Mathematical Statistician | $131,372.59 | $298,117 |
| 51 | Document Analyst | $131,351.05 | $172,500 |
| 52 | Industrial Specialist | $131,236.40 | $206,610 |
| 53 | International Relations Personnel | $130,899.51 | $199,300 |
| 54 | Toxicologist | $130,809.98 | $250,500 |
| 55 | Clothing Designer | $130,578.00 | $145,490 |
| 56 | International Cooperation Personnel | $130,460.80 | $174,468 |
| 57 | Food Technologist | $130,000.72 | $232,000 |
| 58 | Geodesist | $129,904.55 | $192,922 |
| 59 | Fire Protection Engineer | $129,726.19 | $181,325 |
| 60 | Labor-Management Relations Examiner | $128,506.27 | $179,500 |
| 61 | Health Physicist | $128,168.27 | $187,710 |
| 62 | Chemical Engineer | $128,167.86 | $250,204 |
| 63 | General Physical Scientist | $127,766.58 | $266,067 |
| 64 | Navigational Information Personnel | $127,463.67 | $212,326 |
| 65 | Aviation Safety Personnel | $126,937.87 | $211,615 |
| 66 | Chemist | $126,893.11 | $278,250 |
| 67 | Geophysicist | $126,745.07 | $199,300 |
| 68 | Certified registered nurse anesthetist | $126,699.74 | $144,000 |
| 69 | Plant Physiologist | $126,560.89 | $199,300 |
| 70 | Aircraft Operator | $126,029.14 | $211,212 |
| 71 | Health Insurance Administrator | $125,684.48 | $174,000 |
| 72 | Intaglio Press Operator | $125,366.23 | $176,177 |
| 73 | Trade Specialist | $123,737.60 | $177,500 |
| 74 | Accountant | $123,349.82 | $278,216 |
| 75 | Environmental Engineer | $122,851.80 | $197,514 |
| 76 | Electrical Engineer | $122,819.20 | $233,462 |
| 77 | Information Technology Manager | $122,477.13 | $312,821 |
| 78 | Tax Law Specialist | $122,142.63 | $181,500 |
| 79 | Electrical Power Controller | $121,949.12 | $192,943 |
| 80 | Marine Survey Technician | $121,874.46 | $173,000 |
| 81 | Auditor | $121,717.54 | $257,100 |
| 82 | Electrolytic Intaglio Platemaker | $121,587.25 | $164,822 |
| 83 | Microbiologist | $121,129.66 | $272,538 |
| 84 | Petroleum Engineer | $120,954.23 | $220,858 |
| 85 | Electronic Integrated Systems Mechanic | $120,850.89 | $187,583 |
| 86 | Insurance Examiner | $120,673.88 | $164,645 |
| 87 | Letterpress Operator | $120,543.65 | $166,331 |
| 88 | Industrial Engineer | $120,472.71 | $212,148 |
| 89 | Architect | $120,230.23 | $220,858 |
| 90 | Geneticist | $119,721.16 | $245,000 |
| 91 | Forest Products Technology Personnel | $119,566.88 | $164,233 |
| 92 | Education Programmer | $119,360.37 | $203,500 |
| 93 | Mechanical Engineer | $119,142.52 | $197,606 |
| 94 | Optometrist | $118,908.16 | $179,000 |
| 95 | Civil Rights Analyst | $118,818.33 | $181,048 |
| 96 | Animal Scientist | $118,686.06 | $175,750 |
| 97 | Theater Specialist | $118,516.00 | $118,516 |
| 98 | Import Compliance Personnel | $117,803.00 | $147,034 |
| 99 | Plant Pathologist | $117,415.46 | $199,300 |
| 100 | Workforce Researcher and Analyst | $117,336.16 | $172,500 |
| 101 | Physician | $190,246.00 | $242,615 |
Which government agency pays the best?
The Securities and Exchange Commission is by far the largest agency among the best-compensated government offices, with its 3,917 employees averaging $147,475 in annual pay.
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The Top Paid Federal Employees.AgencyTotal StaffAverage Annual PaySecurities and Exchange Commission3,917$147,475Federal Housing Finance Agency453$146,021The Top Paid Federal Employees – USNews.comwww.usnews.com › NewsAbout Featured Snippets
What is the highest paid government job?
One Highest-Paid Federal Government Job: Administrative Law Judges. The federal pay system has grown much more complex over time. The highest salaries may vary considerably from the average and many of these higher average salaries are different than the General Schedule salariesTop 10 Highest Paying Federal Government Jobs In 2021www.fedsmith.com › 2022/05/09 › top-10-highest-paying-federal-govern…About Featured Snippets
Top website has the answer to “best paying government jobs” :
Featured snippet from the webTop 100 Federal Occupations in 2020RankOccupation TitleAverage Pay1Medical Officer$251,055.462Medical Officer$251,055.463Securities Compliance Examiner$199,911.554Securities Compliance Examiner$199,911.5596 more rowsFederalPay.org Top 100 Federal Occupations in 2020
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