Federal Employees get Raises, but We All Need Money Now

Do They Know it’s a Recession?

At a time when many Americans need money now, a shocking new analysis by USA Today of federal salary information shows a dramatic increase in the number of federal employees who are making six-figure incomes. Looking at the numbers, it would seem that these workers are not feeling the effects of the recession at all.

Employees that used to make $ 100,000 or more got an increase between 14 and 19 percent, and that's before bonuses or overtime. That is an amazing increase for people who were presumably already living very comfortably — and in a time when money is tight for most people.

And the Rich Get …Well, You Know the Rest

The number of civilian employees in the Defense Department earning $ 150,000 salaries increased from 1,868 at the end of 2007 to 10,100 in June of the current year. This sort of thing is nothing short of infuriating when millions are out of work, struggling to make ends meet, and especially when the president had promised more jobs all around. A lot of people would love to be working, but can't find even a basic job.

Conversely, federal hires have been increasing over the last few months. In the past 18 months, the Transportation Department has moved 1,689 employees into the $ 170,000 range, as compared to only one person earning this amount before this time.

Is this where it Ends?

Perhaps this would be easier to stomach if this were the extent of it. Amazingly, the truth is that raises in pay are occurring in all areas of the federal government. Six-figure salaries are becoming increasingly common in these areas. Meanwhile, just about else is hard up for money now.

How is this Justified?

According to Jessica Klement, the government affairs director for the Federal Managers Association, these employees work in industries that require greater amounts of training or skills, and are working for less then their private sector counterparts. The USA Today reports that Klement said these workers, according to Klement, made 26 percent less than counterparts in the private sector.

Is this Bogus?

USA Today also looked at federal employee salary stats from the Office of Personnel Management (except workers in Congress, Postal Service, the White House, the military, and at "intelligence" agencies – their track record justifies quotes). The study found the average private sector salary was $ 41, 331, and average federal pay was $ 71, 206.

Shocking, but True

For the majority of Americans who really need money now, this is going to be some tough news to hear. The last administration approved raises of 3 percent in January of 2008, and 3.9 percent in January 2009 for federal employees. The President has recommended to decrease this to 2 percent for first quarter of 2010, which might sound high, but that's the lowest increase since 1975. These raises, among others and modified pay systems, have led to these egregious salary increases.