19 Types of Federal Government Jobs (Including Benefits)
What is a federal government job?
A federal government job is a civilian position within a department, agency or other organization of the U.S. government. Employees may work in an office, laboratory, hospital, correctional institution, national park, military installation or overseas location.
Many positions use the General Schedule pay system, in which a grade and step help determine base pay. Locality adjustments can change compensation by geographic area. Other employees are covered by separate systems, including the Federal Wage System for certain trade, craft and labor roles.
Not every person performing work for the government is a federal employee. Contractors work for private organizations under government contracts and may have different pay, benefits and employment protections.
Benefits of federal government jobs
Benefits depend on the appointment, agency, work schedule and eligibility rules. Applicants should read each announcement and confirm the complete compensation package before accepting an offer.
Health insurance options
Eligible employees can select coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Employees and the government generally share premium costs, and available plans vary by location and enrollment type.
Retirement benefits
Many federal civilian employees participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System. FERS combines a basic benefit plan, Social Security and the Thrift Savings Plan. Vesting, contributions and retirement eligibility depend on the applicable rules and length of service.
Paid leave
Eligible employees earn annual and sick leave. Annual-leave accrual generally increases with qualifying years of service. Federal policies also address family and medical leave, military leave and other approved absences.
Predictable pay structures
Published pay tables and grade requirements can make compensation progression easier to understand. Promotions, within-grade increases and performance awards are governed by the position and agency rules and are not automatic in every case.
Work-life programs
Depending on the role and agency, employees may have access to flexible schedules, telework, employee-assistance programs, health and wellness resources or dependent-care support. Operational and security requirements may limit flexibility for some positions.
Career mobility
Federal service includes many occupational series, agencies and locations. Employees who gain specialized experience may compete for promotions or transfer their skills to other departments. Eligibility for a vacancy still depends on its stated hiring path and qualifications.
Public-service mission
Federal employees can contribute to areas such as public health, national security, environmental protection, scientific research, infrastructure and benefit administration. Mission can be an important source of professional purpose.
Potential recruitment incentives
Some agencies may offer recruitment, relocation, retention or student-loan repayment incentives for selected hard-to-fill positions. These programs are discretionary, may require a service agreement and should not be assumed to be available for every job.
19 types of federal government jobs
The following national salary estimates provide general context, but they are not official offers or federal pay tables. Actual federal compensation depends on the position's grade, step, locality, pay system and eligibility for premium pay.
1. Secretary
National average salary: About $40,266 per year
Federal secretaries schedule meetings, prepare correspondence, maintain records and support managers or teams. Some positions involve sensitive information and may require a background investigation or security clearance.
2. Correctional officer
National average salary: About $39,810 per year
Federal correctional officers maintain safety and security in correctional institutions. They supervise incarcerated people, conduct inspections, enforce rules, document incidents and respond to emergencies. Candidates must meet agency-specific physical, age, background and training requirements.
3. Data entry clerk
National average salary: About $40,389 per year
Data entry clerks enter, verify and organize information in government systems. They may process records related to finance, programs, personnel or public requests. Accuracy, confidentiality and familiarity with office software are important.
4. Computer network support specialist
National average salary: About $50,152 per year
Network support specialists maintain computer networks, troubleshoot connectivity and help users access secure systems. Federal roles may include strict cybersecurity procedures, documentation and access controls. Certifications can strengthen an applicant's qualifications.
5. Human resources specialist
National average salary: About $47,207 per year
Federal HR specialists work in staffing, classification, employee relations, benefits or workforce development. They interpret regulations, advise managers and maintain personnel records. Duties vary considerably by specialty and grade.
6. Firefighter
National average salary: About $46,220 per year
Federal firefighters protect military installations, forests, research facilities and other government property. They respond to fires and medical emergencies, inspect equipment and participate in prevention activities. Wildland, structural and aviation firefighting positions have different training and physical requirements.
7. Sheet metal worker
National average salary: About $53,492 per year
Sheet metal workers fabricate, install and repair metal components used in buildings, equipment and ventilation systems. They interpret plans, operate tools and follow detailed safety standards. Many of these roles fall under trade or wage-grade pay systems.
8. Tax specialist
National average salary: About $64,546 per year
Tax specialists review returns, explain tax rules, resolve account issues and support compliance activity. Some jobs emphasize public assistance, while others involve examination, collection or technical analysis. Coursework in accounting, finance or taxation can be helpful.
9. Accountant
National average salary: About $59,606 per year
Federal accountants prepare and review financial records, reconcile accounts, monitor funds and support audits. They help agencies follow public-sector accounting requirements and maintain reliable reporting. Announcements may specify a degree or minimum accounting-credit requirement.
10. Lawyer
National average salary: About $93,223 per year
Federal attorneys provide legal advice, draft regulations, handle litigation and review policies or contracts. They may work in enforcement, national security, taxation, environmental law or agency counsel offices. Candidates generally need a law degree and active bar membership.
11. Customer service representative
National average salary: About $38,964 per year
Customer service representatives help members of the public understand federal programs and resolve account or application questions. They may communicate by telephone, email, chat or in person. Patience, accurate documentation and the ability to explain complex rules are valuable.
12. Chemist
National average salary: About $71,290 per year
Federal chemists analyze materials, conduct experiments and support regulation, public health, environmental protection, defense or forensic work. They document methods and results and follow laboratory safety and quality standards. Positions typically require relevant scientific coursework.
13. Logistician
National average salary: About $66,400 per year
Logisticians plan how equipment, materials and personnel move through a supply system. They forecast needs, coordinate transportation, analyze inventory and improve delivery performance. Federal logisticians may support civilian programs, emergency response or defense operations.
14. Office clerk
National average salary: About $36,770 per year
Office clerks process documents, answer inquiries, schedule appointments and maintain files. They provide administrative support that helps programs operate consistently. Entry requirements vary, and applicants may need to demonstrate typing, software or records-management experience.
15. Painter
National average salary: About $48,051 per year
Federal painters prepare and coat buildings, equipment, vehicles and other surfaces. They select materials, protect work areas and follow environmental and occupational-safety rules. Trade experience may be more important than a college degree.
16. Security engineer
National average salary: About $108,356 per year
Security engineers design and maintain systems that protect federal networks and data. They assess vulnerabilities, monitor threats, implement controls and respond to incidents. Some jobs require certifications, specialized experience and a security clearance.
17. Mechanical engineer
National average salary: About $89,424 per year
Mechanical engineers design, test and maintain machines, systems and facilities. In federal service, they may support infrastructure, energy, transportation, aerospace or defense programs. Most positions require an accredited engineering degree or an accepted combination of education and experience.
18. Registered nurse
National average salary: About $70,822 per year
Federal registered nurses provide care in veterans' hospitals, military medical facilities, public-health programs and other government settings. They assess patients, administer treatments and coordinate with care teams. Candidates need an active nursing license and must meet the announcement's clinical requirements.
19. Program analyst
Typical national salary range: About $59,670β$148,697 per year
Program analysts evaluate how government programs operate and whether they meet their objectives. They collect data, review budgets or processes, identify risks and prepare recommendations for managers. Many federal program analyst roles require specialized experience in policy, operations, finance or performance measurement.
How to apply for a federal government job
1. Create a USAJOBS profile
USAJOBS is the federal government's official employment website. A profile lets you save searches, store resumes and manage applications.
2. Confirm the hiring path
Read the βThis job is open toβ or equivalent eligibility section. Some vacancies are open to the public, while others are limited to current federal employees, veterans, military spouses, students, recent graduates, people with disabilities or other groups.
3. Review every qualification
Federal announcements identify education, specialized experience, licenses, physical requirements and other conditions. Make sure your application clearly demonstrates each required qualification by the closing date.
4. Tailor a concise federal resume
USAJOBS currently limits uploaded or built resumes to two pages. Include relevant work experience, education and contact information, and use the announcement's duties and qualifications to decide what deserves space. Do not copy language you cannot support with evidence.
5. Attach required documents
Depending on the hiring path, you may need transcripts, a DD-214, an SF-50, disability documentation, licenses or other records. Missing documents can make an otherwise qualified applicant ineligible.
6. Complete the assessment
Agencies may use questionnaires, online assessments, interviews, writing exercises or technical evaluations. Answer accurately and be prepared to provide examples that support your self-ratings.
7. Monitor the application
USAJOBS can show whether an application was received or referred, but the hiring agency controls later stages. Use the contact information in the announcement if you have a specific eligibility or documentation question.
Tips for a stronger federal application
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Apply only when you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements.
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Use specific examples that show the complexity and outcome of your work.
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Include relevant hours, dates, credentials and grades when the announcement requests them.
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Translate private-sector titles into duties that match the federal occupational series.
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Submit early enough to resolve upload or document problems before the deadline.
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Save a copy of the announcement because it may become unavailable after closing.
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Never assume one federal resume will work equally well for every vacancy.
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Frequently asked questions
Do all federal jobs require a college degree?
No. Administrative, customer-service and trade positions may accept relevant experience or technical training. Scientific, engineering, nursing, accounting and legal careers often have specific education or licensing requirements.
Where can I find federal government jobs?
USAJOBS is the official website for most competitive federal vacancies. Some agencies or excepted-service organizations may use additional hiring systems, so follow the instructions in the official announcement.
What is a GS grade?
The General Schedule uses grades and steps to organize pay for many professional, administrative, technical and clerical positions. The required experience and responsibility generally increase at higher grades.
Do federal employees receive pensions?
Many eligible employees participate in FERS, which includes a basic benefit, Social Security and the Thrift Savings Plan. Coverage and retirement eligibility depend on the appointment and applicable rules.
Do federal jobs require a security clearance?
Some do, particularly positions involving national security or sensitive systems. Others require only a suitability or background investigation. The announcement normally identifies the level of investigation or clearance.
How long does federal hiring take?
Timelines vary by agency, number of applicants, assessments, background checks and clearance requirements. The process may take longer than private-sector hiring, so monitor your application and continue pursuing other opportunities.