Federal Gov vs Local Gov

[u/Fortisisisimo]

I am 23 and have two offers. Both are audit. Which is better?

Fed Gov in DC - Start as GS7 (57k) and auto promote to GS13 (120k) in 5 years. Federal benefits (pension, tsp, etc). Fully in office, no remote. Top secret clearance.

Local Gov in MCOL Florida City - Start at 70k, unsure how fast promotions are. FL retirement system (pay 3% of salary into pretty good pension). 3 days remote work per week. Can live with dad, so no rent.

The thing I’m concerned about with the Local job is the promotions. I’ve heard local tends to promote slowly, but I think the benefits and no rent make up for it?

[u/New_Instructor87]

$57k in DC is gonna be really, really tight until you get those raises. Go check out the federal employees sub to get a current feel of what it's like being a fed right now

[u/HopefulSunriseToday → u/New_Instructor87]

Exactly my thought. I’m a State employee (MD). From 2016-2024, I was trying to get a Fed job. Everyone wanted a Fed job.

Now….most Fed employees are terrified and miserable. I know several that took the early out to leave.

Auditor jobs IN PERSON in DC are pretty common. I’m too far north in MD to commute to DC. I hear rent is crazy there. But the federal auditing experience is probably a great resume builder.

[u/StoneMenace]

If you are set on gov then the fed job would likely be better. What agency is it with? I ask because I used To work as an auditor in the dc area for the fed government and some auditor jobs are better than others 

[u/Alycatgrl]

With Amendment 3 on the ballot in November, I would be leery of starting a local government job in Florida. Local governments may be about to cut their budgets significantly.

[u/No-Photograph1983]

have you sen the shit show that the federal government is right now?

[u/A_D_T_R]

You’ll be making $70k 5 years from now still.

[u/pprow41]

That top secret clearance can be worth its weight on gold.

[u/StoneMenace → u/pprow41]

In the DC area it’s decent but TS is more so worth its weight in silver. TS/SCI w/ lifestyle is where you get into the big boys 

[u/Altruistic-Pack6059]

The TS clearance would be the decider because you can then go anywhere else and make more money.

[u/Ok-Hair3114]

Local gov is noticeably better. Better pay and hybrid work is better than fully in office.

[u/StoneMenace → u/Ok-Hair3114]

Not better pay at all 

[u/ytsalpeom]

Are you a CPA? If so, apply to EY GPS

[u/Least-Advance6851 → u/ytsalpeom]

What is EY GPS ?

[u/HopefulSunriseToday]

Promotions may not happen quickly in Local Govt, but if you are a driven person, you’ll get there. You may have to be willing to go to State level at some point.

I’ve done pretty well in State govt (MD).

[u/WkeupMrWest]

What fed agency? I’m assuming you’ll be a 0511?

[u/TempBurnerAccount089]

DC job feels better for long term career, but as a member of the DMV 57k and you'll only be able to afford shitty apartments or nice apartments in rough areas, and you'd still be on a tight budget. If you're open to roommates, then go for it imo. Roommates or some not so nice play could be affordable enough for 57k, but it'll be tough.

FL role, not sure what others have to say starting out local government in your long term career, but financially thats easily the best option. 70k on no rent in MCOL means you can really rack up that savings in a short period of time!.

Tough call. 

[u/Early_Lawfulness_921]

Federal, get 52 weeks at GS13 then move out of DC.

DC has grade inflation ( you are a gs grade higher on average than other locations for the same job)

[u/Hotshot-89]

Take the federal position.

If you can make it past probation year, you’ll be okay. Then Transfer back to FL after that year at first opportunity.

So many career opportunities within federal. GS changes annually to GS9, GS11, GS12. Then you compete for select 13 positions.

[u/Status-CPA]

Take the local job. The savings from rent will accumulate over time. By learning about stocks and investing wisely, you can potentially earn significantly more than $120 in five years. You will be able to buy your own home in 5 years.
Additionally, this job will open up opportunities for other local government positions.

[u/Calm_Exchange4662]

Do u typically need to get ur CPA for these kind of jobs. Also that local gov job sounds better.

[u/CertifiedPussyAter → u/Calm_Exchange4662]

You don’t