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From my experience, GS14 and above roles are allocated in limited numbers to each program/branch/division. Of course, many other companies do this to some degre

From my experience, GS14 and above roles are allocated in limited numbers to each program/branch/division. Of course, many other companies do this to some degree, and one obviously can rotate in the government. However, not every program will have GS14, nevermind GS15 opportunities. GS is also (like all companies, etc, etc) adjusted per locality, so not every GS13 step 4 will be the same.

prepend 4y ago
From my experience, ICs in technical fields like programming, data science, and cyber get hired in as Gs13-15 in non-supervisory roles. Yes, GS is adjusted for locality and it’s up and down. But $100k is the minimum for GS-13, step 1 in most localities and is higher in high cost of living areas like DC, NY, etc. But if you want a programmer job in government it’s not a big pay cut unless you’re a superstar working for Google or something. If it’s a decision of random Fortune 500 or government, government will usually pay more, AND have more benefits and stability.
- glowingly 4y ago
  I am in a HCOL area on the locality chart :/ We get hired in at $70k and this seems rather common among my peers + contractors, so I don't exactly know how someone is getting $100k at the door. People who have been here ~5+ years are GS13 or equivalent. However, most of us aren't and I don't see any upward trends, as our GS14/+ slots are being slowly retired/transferred away. There seems to be a large age gap between the newer engineers and the older ones. Sounds silly, I know. I am wondering if most of us are going to wander off then come back for retirement? Or is the program doomed in the long run? Thanks. I think I just needed to see it from someone outside of my program.
- the_jeremy 4y ago
  I live in a landlocked state and make >$200k with <5 YOE, as do 5 of my friends (all different companies). None of us work for FAANG. I think you are significantly underestimating private compensation at most companies that sell software.

prepend 4y ago

From my experience, ICs in technical fields like programming, data science, and cyber get hired in as Gs13-15 in non-supervisory roles. Yes, GS is adjusted for locality and it’s up and down. But $100k is the minimum for GS-13, step 1 in most localities and is higher in high cost of living areas like DC, NY, etc. But if you want a programmer job in government it’s not a big pay cut unless you’re a superstar working for Google or something. If it’s a decision of random Fortune 500 or government, government will usually pay more, AND have more benefits and stability.

glowingly 4y ago
I am in a HCOL area on the locality chart :/ We get hired in at $70k and this seems rather common among my peers + contractors, so I don't exactly know how someone is getting $100k at the door. People who have been here ~5+ years are GS13 or equivalent. However, most of us aren't and I don't see any upward trends, as our GS14/+ slots are being slowly retired/transferred away. There seems to be a large age gap between the newer engineers and the older ones. Sounds silly, I know. I am wondering if most of us are going to wander off then come back for retirement? Or is the program doomed in the long run? Thanks. I think I just needed to see it from someone outside of my program.
the_jeremy 4y ago
I live in a landlocked state and make >$200k with <5 YOE, as do 5 of my friends (all different companies). None of us work for FAANG. I think you are significantly underestimating private compensation at most companies that sell software.