Do federal workers get paid more than private ones?
According to a new study, the answer is yes. But there are a few factors that level the field.
According to a new study, the answer is yes. But there are a few factors that level the field.
By Donald Marron, Guest blogger
Yes, according to a new聽report by the Congressional Budget Office. As always in such comparisons, however, there are some caveats.
CBO summarizes its main results in this handy chart.
Report author Justin Faulk summarizes the findings as follows:
Of course, a lot is riding on the phrase 鈥渃ertain observable characteristics.鈥� CBO did an extremely careful job of measuring total compensation and of controlling for observable factors such as education, age, and occupation. But many other factors are impossible to measure. CBO鈥檚 summary mentions effort and motivation. There are also issues such as job security and developing valuable skills and knowledge.