What Is the Highest Paying Government Job?
Government Job Salary Estimator
Estimate Your Government Job Salary
Based on your education level, experience, and desired government sector
Your Estimated Salary Range
$120,000 - $160,000
Typical positions: Senior Executive Service (SES), Chief Information Officer, Department Manager
Government salaries are determined by the pay system (GS, SES, etc.) and vary by location. This estimate includes standard base pay, but may not include bonuses or special authorities.
If you're wondering what government job pays the most, you're not alone. People often assume it's the president, a Supreme Court justice, or maybe a top military officer. But in real terms - the kind that shows up on pay stubs, includes bonuses, and reflects total compensation - the highest paying government job isn't what most people think.
Top Paying Government Job: Federal Judge (U.S. Courts)
The highest paying government job in the United States is federal judge, specifically those serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court. As of 2025, a U.S. Court of Appeals judge earns $246,800 per year. A Supreme Court Associate Justice makes $274,200, and the Chief Justice earns $286,700. These aren’t just salaries - they come with lifetime tenure, full healthcare coverage, a pension after retirement, and no need to worry about job security.
These positions aren’t entered through a typical civil service exam. You’re nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Most federal judges have spent decades as lawyers, prosecutors, or state judges before being appointed. There’s no application form you can fill out online. It’s a career built over 20 to 30 years of legal work, reputation, and political alignment.
What About Other High-Paying Government Roles?
If you’re not planning to become a lawyer and climb the judicial ladder, there are still plenty of high-paying government jobs that are more accessible.
- Senior Executive Service (SES) members - These are top-level managers in federal agencies. Pay ranges from $141,000 to $219,200 annually, depending on performance and location. Many come from backgrounds in engineering, IT, finance, or public policy.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Directors - These officials oversee billions in healthcare spending. Their salaries can hit $200,000+, especially when bonuses and relocation packages are included.
- Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in federal agencies - With cybersecurity and digital transformation being top priorities, CIOs at agencies like the Department of Defense or Treasury earn between $160,000 and $190,000. Some tech-heavy roles even exceed $200,000 with special pay authority.
- Secret Service Director - The head of the U.S. Secret Service earns around $190,000. This role requires extensive law enforcement experience, often 20+ years in federal agencies.
These roles don’t require a judicial appointment. They’re filled through competitive hiring - sometimes through the USAJobs portal, sometimes through specialized executive recruitment. Many require advanced degrees (MBA, JD, PhD) and proven leadership.
Why Don’t Doctors or Engineers Earn More in Government?
You might expect doctors, engineers, or data scientists to top the list. After all, private sector salaries for these roles often exceed $250,000. But government pay scales are rigid. Even the most skilled federal employees are capped by the General Schedule (GS) pay system - unless they’re in a special pay category.
For example, a senior physician in the Veterans Health Administration might earn $220,000, but only if they’re hired under a special authority called the Physician Comparability Allowance. That’s not automatic. It’s negotiated case by case. Most federal doctors make between $150,000 and $180,000.
Same goes for software engineers. A senior engineer at Google or Meta might make $400,000 with stock. At NASA or the Department of Homeland Security? Around $150,000 to $170,000. The government pays less - but offers more stability, better benefits, and a 401(k)-style pension on top of Social Security.
State and Local Government Jobs: The Hidden Winners
While federal jobs grab headlines, some of the best-paid government roles are at the state or city level - and they’re easier to get.
- State Chief Medical Officers - In California and New York, these roles pay up to $250,000. They advise governors on public health emergencies, vaccine rollout, and hospital funding.
- City Managers in Major Metro Areas - In cities like San Francisco, Chicago, or Boston, the city manager (the top administrative officer) earns between $200,000 and $280,000. They run entire city operations - budgets, police, transit, housing.
- Public Utility Commissioners - These regulators oversee electricity, water, and gas rates. In Texas and New York, they make $180,000 to $220,000. Often, they’re former engineers or lawyers.
These jobs don’t require Senate confirmation. You apply through state HR portals. Many require a master’s degree and 10+ years of management experience. They’re less famous than federal judges - but pay just as well, sometimes more.
What You Need to Get There
So how do you land one of these top-tier government jobs?
- Get the right education - Most high-paying roles require at least a master’s degree. JDs, MBAs, and PhDs in public policy, engineering, or health administration open doors.
- Build experience in the private sector first - Many top government hires come from corporations, law firms, or tech companies. You need proven results before you can lead a federal agency.
- Network strategically - Government hiring isn’t always transparent. Attend public policy conferences, join professional associations, and connect with current agency leaders on LinkedIn.
- Understand the hiring system - Know the difference between the GS system, SES, and special pay authorities. Apply through USAJobs.gov, but don’t rely on it alone. Many top roles are filled through direct appointments.
Myth: You Need to Be a Politician
A lot of people think you have to be elected to earn big in government. That’s not true. Elected officials like senators and governors make less than you’d expect - around $174,000 for U.S. Congress members. They get perks, but no pension unless they serve 5+ years. Their real income often comes from book deals or speaking gigs after leaving office.
The real money in government is in appointed, non-political roles. People who run things behind the scenes. People who manage budgets, lead agencies, or interpret laws. These are the jobs that pay the most - and they’re open to qualified professionals, not just insiders.
Is It Worth It?
Yes - if you value stability over speed. Federal jobs don’t make you rich overnight. But they offer:
- Guaranteed pay raises (cost-of-living adjustments)
- Health insurance that covers your whole family
- A pension that lasts for life
- Flexible work options (remote, hybrid, part-time)
- Job security during economic downturns
Compare that to the private sector, where layoffs are common and benefits can vanish overnight. For many professionals, government pay isn’t the highest - but the total package is unbeatable.
What’s Next?
If you’re serious about landing one of these top jobs, start now. Don’t wait until you’re 40. Build your resume in your 20s and 30s. Get that master’s. Take on leadership roles. Learn how government works from the inside - even if it’s through an internship or fellowship.
The highest paying government job isn’t a lottery. It’s a path. And it’s open to anyone willing to put in the time, education, and effort.
What is the highest paying government job in the U.S.?
The highest paying government job in the U.S. is Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, with an annual salary of $286,700 as of 2025. Associate Justices earn $274,200, and U.S. Court of Appeals judges earn $246,800. These positions are appointed, not applied for through standard civil service channels.
Can a doctor earn more than a federal judge in government?
Rarely. Most federal doctors earn between $150,000 and $180,000. Even senior physicians in the VA system rarely exceed $220,000, and only with special pay allowances. Federal judges earn more and have lifetime tenure, making their total compensation significantly higher over a career.
Do state government jobs pay more than federal jobs?
In some cases, yes. City managers in San Francisco or Boston can earn up to $280,000 - more than most federal employees. State chief medical officers in California and New York also earn over $250,000. These roles are often easier to access than federal judicial appointments.
What degrees are needed for high-paying government jobs?
Most top government roles require at least a master’s degree - often a JD, MBA, or PhD. Judges need law degrees. CIOs need IT or engineering backgrounds with management training. Senior executives usually hold advanced degrees in public policy, economics, or business.
Is it harder to get a high-paying government job than a private sector job?
It’s different, not necessarily harder. Private sector jobs at top tech firms are competitive, but they often hire based on skills and interviews. Government jobs require long-term career building, political connections (for some roles), and navigating complex hiring systems. The bar is high, but the path is clearer if you plan ahead.
Do government jobs offer bonuses or stock options?
No. Government jobs don’t offer stock options or performance bonuses in the way private companies do. However, some roles - especially in cybersecurity, healthcare, and executive leadership - receive special pay supplements, relocation bonuses, or retention incentives. These are not guaranteed but are common for hard-to-fill positions.
