[eddietejeda]

While mostly true, let’s put this into perspective: A GS-15 in a metro area like New York, DC, and San Francisco, with experience, can get over $170. Throw in performance bonus and matching contributions, and total compensation is $180k+. That does not compare with the high end of the private sector, but that’s reasonable for a lot of people, even at tech companies.

You can estimate here: https://www.federalpay.org/gs/calculator

Also, the sense of duty and serving the public is real. And this is not expressed in a tongue and cheek way... it’s an earnest desire to do meaningful work.

Many people who join USDS, 18F, and PIF from the tech industry are there because they genuinely want to do good work.

[gbh444g]

There's also the "executive schedule" [1] for management, but it doesn't pay much better: $220K for the highest paid ES-1, and a PhD is a requirement. In fact, the president of the US makes only $400K.

[1] https://www.federalpay.org/ses/2020

[jolux]

Sure, but this is not the case with state governments. My point may have been diluted by including the federal government.

[matheweis]

I worked for a state university for several years, and while there were certainly those there to collect their paycheck, there were also many who - as the parent suggests - had a very earnest desire to do meaningful work.

[wslack]

True, and not something that can be changed through technology, but there are good digital services operating in quite a few states!

[sco1]

> A GS-15 in a metro area like New York, DC, and San Francisco, with experience, can get over $170.

Agencies like USDS, 18F, etc. who are hiring at this level are atypical, and have to do so in order to attract talent away from private sector. GS-13+ slots are typically senior leadership positions and not entry level for anyone unless they have a PhD.