The United States government stands as the largest employer in the nation, providing a diverse array of job opportunities across various sectors. Professionals can find positions in law enforcement, healthcare, education, engineering, business and many other fields. Job roles range from administrative and technical positions to specialized roles in areas like cybersecurity and public health.
With over 2.1 million federal employees, the government not only offers stability and benefits, but also the chance to contribute meaningfully to society by shaping policies and delivering essential services. This sector attracts professionals seeking to make a significant impact while pursuing rewarding careers in public service.
Working for the government comes with a variety of benefits that make it an attractive career choice for many people. One of the most notable advantages is federal employment is known for its stability, often providing job security that is less common in the private sector. Government positions are less susceptible to economic downturns, which means employees are less likely to face layoffs during recessions.
Additionally, public service jobs typically offer comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans and generous vacation and sick leave policies. Employees often have access to the Federal Employee Health Benefits program, which provides a wide range of health plan options, and the Thrift Savings Plan, which allows for effective retirement savings.
However, President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to significantly reduce the size of the federal government by appointing billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a new advisory group called the “Department of Government Efficiency.” This commission aims to “dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures and restructure Federal Agencies.”
Ramaswamy has expressed support for substantial downsizing, while Musk has suggested reducing the number of federal agencies by approximately 75%, though any major changes to government funding would require congressional approval.
Government Jobs
Here are 10 public sector jobs within federal agencies that pay over $300,000, according to data from government watchdog Open the Books.
1. Medical Officer
A medical officer is a licensed physician employed by the government to perform medical and public health functions. They provide direct patient care in public hospitals and clinics, advise on public health matters, administer health programs, conduct medical research and supervise other medical staff. Their responsibilities may encompass diagnosing and treating patients, implementing disease prevention and control measures, providing health education to the public, conducting health inspections and advising on health policies.
These physicians may work in public hospitals, community health centers, military facilities, public health departments or research institutions. Some government medical officers specialize in areas like public health, occupational health or specific medical fields. In the federal government, medical officers can choose between a civil service career path or joining the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
These professionals typically hold a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from an accredited institution and are registered with the relevant medical board.
Notably, government medical officers are often among the highest-paid federal employees.
Estimated Annual Wages: Up to $490,000+
2. Consumer Safety Officer
A consumer safety officer is a critical position within federal agencies dedicated to protecting public health and safety. These professionals work to enforce laws and regulations that safeguard consumers from potentially harmful or deceptive products and practices.
Consumer safety officers are responsible for a wide range of duties, including investigating complaints of injury or illness caused by regulated products, conducting inspections of manufacturing facilities, evaluating product safety and labeling and initiating enforcement actions against violators. They also play a key role in advising industry stakeholders, government officials and the public on regulatory policies and interpretations.
Consumer safety officers often work in agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission or Federal Trade Commission, where they contribute to the development of safety standards, review product applications and coordinate regulatory programs. Their work spans across industries, including food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics and consumer goods.
Consumer safety officers typically have a strong background in biological or physical sciences.
Estimated Annual Wages: Up to $345,000+
3. Mathematical Statistician
A mathematical statistician is a highly skilled professional who applies advanced mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze data and solve complex problems for government agencies. These specialists typically work in federal departments, such as the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics or National Institutes of Health, where they develop and implement statistical methodologies to support critical government functions and research. Their responsibilities often include designing surveys and experiments, collecting and analyzing large datasets, developing statistical models and interpreting results to inform policy decisions and public reporting.
Government mathematical statisticians may work on projects related to population demographics, economic indicators, public health research or national security, among other areas.
These roles typically require a strong educational background in mathematics, statistics or a related field, often at the graduate level.
Estimated Annual Wages: Up to $339,000+
4. Pharmacologist
A pharmacologist is a highly specialized professional who works for federal agencies to ensure the safety, efficacy and proper regulation of pharmaceutical products. Their responsibilities may include reviewing and evaluating clinical and non-clinical data submitted in drug applications, participating in inspections of research facilities, providing clinical pharmacology evaluations of therapeutics and assessing the safety and effectiveness of new and existing medications.
Government pharmacologists often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop drug quality standards, investigate product quality issues and contribute to the formulation of public health policies. They may work for agencies such as the FDA, NIH or other health-related government departments.
These experts typically hold advanced degrees such as a Ph.D., M.D. or Pharm.D. and apply their extensive knowledge of pharmacology, toxicology and regulatory science to various critical roles within government organizations.
Estimated Annual Wages: Up to $338,000+
5. Chief Information Officer (Information Technology Management)
A Chief Information Officer is a high-ranking executive responsible for overseeing and managing the information technology and digital strategies of a government agency or department. This role combines technical expertise with strategic leadership to ensure that government IT systems and policies align with organizational goals and public service needs. CIOs are tasked with implementing and maintaining robust IT infrastructure, ensuring data security and privacy, promoting innovation in digital services and facilitating efficient information sharing across government entities. They modernize public sector operations, enhancing cybersecurity measures and improving the delivery of digital services to citizens.
Most CIOs hold at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or a related field, with many possessing advanced degrees such as an M.B.A or a master’s in information systems.
Estimated Annual Wages: Up to $327,000+
6. General Attorney
A general attorney is a legal professional employed by a government agency or department to provide legal counsel and representation. These attorneys work at various levels of government, including federal, state and local, and are responsible for advising government officials on legal matters, interpreting laws and regulations and representing the government’s interests in legal proceedings.
Their duties typically include drafting and reviewing legal documents, providing legal opinions on proposed legislation and policies, defending government agencies in lawsuits and prosecuting cases on behalf of the government. General attorneys may specialize in areas such as environmental law, labor law, civil rights or criminal prosecution, depending on their agency’s focus.
They must possess a Juris Doctor degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Additionally, candidates must be an active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction, which means they must be licensed to practice law in at least one state or territory of the U.S. For certain positions, especially at higher grade levels, additional experience may be required, such as one year of post-law school full-time judicial clerkship experience.
Estimated Annual Wages: Up to $325,000+
7. Financial Institution Examiner
A financial institution examiner, often referred to as a bank examiner, is employed by government agencies to ensure the safety, soundness and regulatory compliance of financial institutions. These examiners maintain the stability and integrity of the banking system by conducting thorough assessments of banks, credit unions and other financial entities. Their primary responsibilities include evaluating an institution’s financial condition, risk management practices and adherence to relevant laws and regulations.
Financial institution examiners typically work for agencies such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or state banking authorities.
They conduct on-site examinations, analyze financial statements, assess loan portfolios, review internal controls and evaluate the competence of management. Financial institution examiners often travel extensively to perform their duties and may specialize in areas, such as IT, consumer compliance or large bank supervision.
You’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree, usually in accounting, finance, economics, business administration or a related field.
Estimated Annual Wages: Up to $304,000+
8. Administrative Officer
An administrative officer manages and coordinates administrative functions within government agencies. They are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of office processes, managing resources and supporting the overall mission of their department or agency. Their duties often include overseeing budgets, coordinating personnel matters, managing facilities, implementing policies and procedures and serving as a liaison between different departments or with the public.
These professionals often serve as key advisors to higher-level officials, providing valuable insights on administrative operations and helping to implement strategic initiatives. With their broad knowledge of government operations and administrative best practices, administrative officers are essential in maintaining efficiency and effectiveness in public sector organizations.
Estimated Annual Wages: Up to $304,000+
9. Project Manager (COO)
A project manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating complex projects within government agencies or departments. They play an important role in planning, executing and delivering initiatives that serve public interests and fulfill government objectives. Project managers develop project plans, managing budgets and resources, coordinating with various stakeholders, ensuring compliance with regulations and policies and overseeing project teams.
Project managers often work on initiatives related to infrastructure, technology implementation, policy rollouts or public services. Their work requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills and a deep understanding of government operations and public administration.
These professionals must obtain a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business administration, management or a specific technical area related to the types of projects they wish to manage. Some positions may require a master’s degree.
Estimated Annual Wages: Up to $303,000+
10. Chemist
A chemist is a scientific professional employed by federal, state or local government agencies to apply their expertise in chemistry to various public sector roles. These specialists typically work in government laboratories, regulatory agencies or research institutions, where they conduct analyses, perform research and provide scientific guidance on matters related to public health, safety and environmental protection.
Chemists test food and drug safety, analyze environmental samples, develop new analytical methods, investigate criminal cases through forensic analysis or evaluate the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals. They help enforce regulations, setting standards and informing policy decisions related to chemical substances.
Chemists may work for agencies such as the FDA, NIH, Environmental Protection Agency or state health departments.
These professionals typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field, with many positions requiring advanced degrees or specialized experience.
Estimated Annual Wages: Up to 300,000+