Government Salaries vs. Private Sector Salaries

Another reason why we need transparency in government spending.

by Kate Piercy

USA Today highlights yet another good reason for government spending transparency:

Average federal salaries exceed average private-sector pay in 83% of comparable occupations.

Citizens want transparent government for many reasons, and being able to easily review government salaries – at all levels of government — is one huge (and crucial) reason. Salaries (and benefits) make up a significant chunk of local and state budgets, and it’s important to measure whether government salaries are in line with market pay rates.

See USA Today’s report here and check out an eye-opening comparison chart showing the difference between government and private sector salaries for the same profession.