Correct, government pay scale is a huge problem for talent acquisition. Your choices are either someone who is so ideologically devoted that they're willing to

Correct, government pay scale is a huge problem for talent acquisition. Your choices are either someone who is so ideologically devoted that they're willing to work for 5-25% of what they're worth or "work for us or you're going to prison for a long time". Citations: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1194863 https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/119486... Cyber Mitigations Analyst/System Vulnerability Analyst - Entry to Expert Level (Maryland) Network Cyber Mitigations Engineers and System Vulnerability Analysts analyze vulnerabilities and develop mitigations to strengthen defenses. They produce formal and informal reports, briefings, and guidance to defend against attacks against network infrastructure devices or systems. NSA analysts' competencies run the gamut of data transport possibilities. They work with traditional wired networks, wireless transport, including Wi-Fi and cellular, collaborative platforms such as video teleconferencing, and the hardware and software that support it all. Pay Plan: GG, Grade: 07/1 to 15/10 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2022/general-schedule/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries... In a very high cost of living area, that means that entry level is $31K and the absolute top for expert level is $176,300. Compare that to what FAMG are paying new college grads.