The public is probably vaguely aware that federal employees are well compensated. But we admit it was jarring to read just how generous that compensation is.
James Sherk of The Heritage Foundation think-tank cobbled together some of the incredible statistics on federal compensation – wages and benefits paid by American taxpayers whose private-sector jobs generally earn far less.
In fairness, there are many highly skilled employees in the federal work force. But even when the workers’ educational levels and special skills are taken into account, federal employees receive about 22 percent more than they would get in the private sector.
Here are some other eye-opening statistics:
* Federal workers can retire with full benefits as early as age 56.
* After only three years of service, they are entitled to four weeks of paid vacation per year, plus 10 paid federal holidays and 13 paid sick days.
* Including salary and benefits, federal worker compensation is 30 percent to 40 percent higher than what comparable private-sector workers get.
* It is difficult if not impossible to fire a federal employee for poor performance after he has put in a year of service.
* Federal pay raises are based largely on seniority, not good performance.
* Cutting federal compensation to private-sector levels would save taxpayers $47 billion in 2011. That comes to more than $400 per income tax filer.
Government workers deserve reasonable compensation, but federal government work should not be the “pot of gold” it has become for many.