You are using one of the highest adjusted income areas in the country. As GS11 in northern Virginia and a GS 11 in Oklahoma could be the difference of 12K annually.
Sometimes it’s better to get civilian contractor job first to take advantage of the higher salary and they value military experience for their company to get more job contracts and then transfer to GS job when you are able to and it’s easier to negotiate GS higher step. I was E7 retired and landed Production Superintendent in contractor after couple of years I landed a GS 14 job.
If you consider that only some of military pay is taxed unlike GS pay then an O-3 pay is actually rivaling a GS-14 or GS-15 in high cost of living area like California
The problem with your math is that you’re factoring in extra housing/food for military but nothing for gs employees. We should be strictly comparing base salaries as if we want to go down that road, many gs employees get retirement and va compensation.
I’m a gs 7 step 4 and make about $4K less in salary than I did as an e6 (in the same state). The down side is my bi-weekly withholding are significantly higher so my take home pay as a federal civilian is less than my base pay as an e6. So it’s like e6 pay without the BAH. But, I’ll advance a grade each year for the next several years and will be doing alright soon.
I was a SSG with 8 years time in service I also have a bachelors in business and I accepted a GS 5 position five months ago. I wish I watched your videos before accepting random positions. Everyone keeps saying you got your foot in the door don’t worry. Well looking at my pay checks I am only bring home $1,200 after deductions. That is minimum wage for my area which is Washington state. I really feel screwed and I been trying to apply for GS 7 and GS9 positions so far no luck. I might just give up on federal positions and find work in the civilian world.
Did you account for the entitlement like BAH and BAS are tax free, so the GS job would need to be higher to meet the tax advantage. If the person were an AC retiree, then their their AC retirement pay, potentially VA disability, would actually decrease the GS level required to meet what they were making on Active Duty. There are some other factors to consider, but IMO, I think someone would be better off retiring with a 20 year pension and going to federal employment and make more than what they would ever make on active duty
Good points. I did not consider the tax free implications of BAH & BAS in this video. I completely agree that it is better to retire from the military and then go into the federal government. I was fortunate enough to do that.
Yes, if you are new to the federal government, you can negotiate your step level up to step level 10. However, the federal agency is not obligated to negotiate, but it doesn't hurt to try.
Ret E-6.100% VA dis+GS-10 step 5 this comparison is not correct. it.s a continuous service unless your degree and work experience correspond to job requirements. Wishful thinking buddy! I hope you get that GS-12 or 13 job
You are using one of the highest adjusted income areas in the country. As GS11 in northern Virginia and a GS 11 in Oklahoma could be the difference of 12K annually.
True. I'm a bit partial to this area since it's home.
Sometimes it’s better to get civilian contractor job first to take advantage of the higher salary and they value military experience for their company to get more job contracts and then transfer to GS job when you are able to and it’s easier to negotiate GS higher step. I was E7 retired and landed Production Superintendent in contractor after couple of years I landed a GS 14 job.
I am unemployed so anything is good for me
If you consider that only some of military pay is taxed unlike GS pay then an O-3 pay is actually rivaling a GS-14 or GS-15 in high cost of living area like California
Great video
The problem with your math is that you’re factoring in extra housing/food for military but nothing for gs employees. We should be strictly comparing base salaries as if we want to go down that road, many gs employees get retirement and va compensation.
Fantastic breakdown, this video helped answer some of my questions regarding what GS grades to be considering that equate to my E5 rank.
Thanks Ben! I'm glad it helped.
@@armandcuret1 Are you familiar with a GS grade ladder? Do you mind doing a video on it if you’re knowledgeable on it?
I’m a gs 7 step 4 and make about $4K less in salary than I did as an e6 (in the same state).
The down side is my bi-weekly withholding are significantly higher so my take home pay as a federal civilian is less than my base pay as an e6. So it’s like e6 pay without the BAH. But, I’ll advance a grade each year for the next several years and will be doing alright soon.
I was a SSG with 8 years time in service I also have a bachelors in business and I accepted a GS 5 position five months ago. I wish I watched your videos before accepting random positions. Everyone keeps saying you got your foot in the door don’t worry. Well looking at my pay checks I am only bring home $1,200 after deductions. That is minimum wage for my area which is Washington state. I really feel screwed and I been trying to apply for GS 7 and GS9 positions so far no luck. I might just give up on federal positions and find work in the civilian world.
Im in the same boat as you a E6 wich a bachelors in business, at the very least i will go GS 6.... any update on obtaining a new job???
Just because you took a GS5 position doesnt mean you cant get those gs8/9 jobs. You just need to demonstrate that you have the necessary experience
GS overseas w/LQA is a different story. You should cover the GS Military comparison in that situation
Thanks. That is a good idea.
Did you account for the entitlement like BAH and BAS are tax free, so the GS job would need to be higher to meet the tax advantage. If the person were an AC retiree, then their their AC retirement pay, potentially VA disability, would actually decrease the GS level required to meet what they were making on Active Duty. There are some other factors to consider, but IMO, I think someone would be better off retiring with a 20 year pension and going to federal employment and make more than what they would ever make on active duty
Good points. I did not consider the tax free implications of BAH & BAS in this video. I completely agree that it is better to retire from the military and then go into the federal government. I was fortunate enough to do that.
Do They hire GS positions in step 3 or 4? Can I negotiate what step i want to start in?
Yes, if you are new to the federal government, you can negotiate your step level up to step level 10.
However, the federal agency is not obligated to negotiate, but it doesn't hurt to try.
You can try .. but there are OPM guidelines..
Ret E-6.100% VA dis+GS-10 step 5 this comparison is not correct. it.s a continuous service unless your degree and work experience correspond to job requirements. Wishful thinking buddy! I hope you get that GS-12 or 13 job
12-13 without any previous federal government service is indeed rare ..
Ok so I’m an E-5 in the Air Force. I could still apply for a GS 7 and above job possibly?
Yes. You can apply for any GS grade. It all will depend on your experience and resume. Thanks for watching!
@@armandcuret1 thank you for the content!
Many federal employees are not on the GS pay scale. It’d be nice to see other pay scales such the FWS pay scale.
I am making a FWS Pay video soon. Thanks for watching!