Are you looking for a challenging career that aligns with your skills and professional interests while affording the security of competitive pay and benefits? If so, a federal government career may be the right fit for you!

The federal goverment workforce includes an estimated 2.1 million civilian workers plus another 600,000 U.S. Postal Service employees, according to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). At roughly 2% of the nation’s workforce, the federal government is the largest employer in the U.S. With nearly 50% of that force eligible for early or regular retirement, and the need to fill critical vacancies, they are actively hiring.  

Have you ruled out the public sector because of compensation considerations? Not so fast: The average annual pay for a federal employee is $109,992 a year. Find out more about federal compensation via the OPM website, and don't forget the federal government's comprehensive health insurance and retirement programs.

Maybe you've crossed off federal employment because you don't want to live in Washington, D.C.? Think again: More than 80% of all positions are located outside of the nation’s capital, with jobs in every state and major metropolitan area, numerous small towns, and rural areas (which hold 18% of all federal non-postal positions). You can also find U.S. federal employment in 140 countries. 

Are you open to the possibility of landing a federal job? The hiring process can be cumbersome and complex, so MOAA offers free tools, resources, and guidance to help transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and family members navigate their way through the federal hiring system, here.

Next, be sure to visit MOAA's Job Board to find federal positions which are the right fit for you. Enter “Federal Jobs” in the search box, and further narrow and refine the list by adding a preferred location, job type, full or part time status, and more.

[RELATED: 5 Reasons to Visit MOAA’s New Job Board] 

Find something you like? Before you complete your application package and submit your résumé, view MOAA’s highly informative webinar on “Tips and Techniques on How to Find Your Federal Job.” This webinar, available to Premium and Life members, is one of several helpful transition and career resources you can find in MOAA's webinar archives.

For our valued Life members, we are delighted to offer a federal résumé review and phone and/or live video conferencing consultation covering various elements of the federal hiring process. Support includes recommendations tailored for your USAJOBS résumé and associated documents, veteran’s preference in federal hiring, negotiating strategies for federal employment, as well as answers to your specific questions regarding the public sector career track. Learn more about the program at this link.