I looked further into the report released last week by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and it was even more perplexing than I first thought. As previously reported, federal jobs pay an average of about 10% better than in the private sector in 83% of the fields surveyed, not to mention more benefits. But in some areas, the difference was astounding.
Examples:
A cook in the private sector averages $23,279, but averages $38,400 working for the government.
A graphic designer in the private sector averages $46, 575, but averages $70,800 working for the government.
A broadcast technician in the private sector averages $49, 265, but averages $90,310 working for the government.
No wonder we’re going broke. 