With over 2 million employees across hundreds of agencies, the federal government offers immense career opportunities spanning occupations. Landing a government job brings competitive compensation along with unmatched job security, top-tier benefits, and opportunities to serve the public. This guide explores the 10 most in-demand federal careers, key responsibilities, average salaries, qualifications needed, and tips for highlighting relevant experience to be a strong candidate. Read on to discover promising and meaningful roles protecting public interests, advancing technology, upholding justice, strengthening national security, and more.

1. Information Technology Specialist

IT specialists design, implement, secure, and support the technology infrastructure across the government.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, configure, and integrate software, networks, and hardware systems
• Provide technical support and troubleshoot issues
• Analyze system capacities and recommend upgrades
• Implement security protocols and threat monitoring
• Maintain records and prepare reports on IT activities

Average Salary

$90,000 per year

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science or related field
• Specific IT certifications like A+, Network+, Security+
• Hands-on experience with systems analysis, programming, network admin, OS, and security tools

Application Tips

• Highlight experience with applicable systems, software, and technologies used in government like Oracle, SAP, and VMware.
• Obtain relevant IT certifications to validate technical knowledge.
• Take tech skills assessments on USAJOBS to rank higher in candidate searches.

With cyber threats increasing, federal IT pros ensure critical systems stay secure and resilient.

2. Accountant/Auditor

Accountants and auditors monitor and analyze federal financial activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, examine, and interpret accounting records, financial statements, and expenditure reports
• Audit documentation supporting transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Make recommendations for procedural improvements, expense reduction, and budget changes
• Oversee and reconcile payroll, procurement, and travel expenditures
• Comply with federal accounting regulations and standards like the GAAP

Average Salary

$80,000 per year

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related quantitative field
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential highly desired
• Experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Payroll accounts receivable/payable, and general ledger skills

Application Tips

• Highlight experience with accounting software, financial analysis, and preparing detailed reports.
• Obtain CPA or Certified Government Financial Manager credentials.
• Emphasize any experience with audits, compliance, and policies like the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

Meticulous number crunching keeps federal finances accountable.

3. Project Manager

Project managers oversee major government initiatives and programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, budget, and supervise timelines of long-term projects involving multiple tasks, teams, and milestones
• Coordinate resources, vendors, contractors, and staff to complete deliverables on schedule and within budget
• Analyze progress and recommend solutions when challenges arise
• Manage communications between stakeholders throughout project lifecycles
• Prepare detailed reports on project statuses, budgets, and performance metrics

Average Salary

$80,000 per year

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management or related field
• Certifications like PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or Change Management bolster qualifications
• Experience managing cross-functional teams on large-scale projects with quantifiable results

Application Tips

• Highlight examples of delivering successful projects on deadline and within budget. Quantify size, scope, and impact.
• Take USAJOBS project management skills assessments to demonstrate capabilities measured against other applicants.
• Emphasize experience managing vendor relationships and maximizing resources.

Sharp project management enables major government initiatives to produce mission results.

4. Software Developer

Software developers design, build, test, and maintain applications for federal systems and public-facing online services.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze system requirements and design programming logic and interfaces
• Write, update, debug, and maintain code for software applications in languages like Java, Javascript, C#, or others
• Integrate software components and implement security controls
• Recommend system upgrades and patches
• Document development processes and develop user training materials

Average Salary

$105,000 per year

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, or a related field
• Fluency in programming languages like Java, Javascript, AngularJS
• Experience testing, troubleshooting, securing, and updating applications

Application Tips

• Showcase experience translating requirements into well-documented applications.
• Obtain AWS or Azure cloud certifications as cloud adoption grows in government.
• Give examples using Agile, Scrum, or other development approaches.

Expert programming builds seamless digital interfaces enabling public access to government services.

5. Human Resources Specialist

HR specialists recruit, develop, and support federal workforces.

Key Responsibilities

• Consult managers on staffing needs and talent requirements
• Develop and post job opportunity announcements on USAJOBS
• Screen applicants, oversee interviews, extend job offers
• Advise employees on benefits programs and assist with claims and services
• Mediate workplace disputes and implement disciplinary actions
• Maintain personnel records in HR information systems
• Oversee new employee orientation and onboarding processes

Average Salary

$70,000 per year

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or related field
• Certifications like PHR, SHRM-CP, IPMA-CP/SCP
• Knowledge of HR practices and federal hiring processes and policies
• Strong customer service skills

Application Tips

• Highlight recruiting, onboarding, professional development, and conflict resolution experience.
• Take USAJOBS assessment exams to exhibit OPM (Office of Personnel Management) competencies.
• Obtain HR certifications through SHRM, HRCI, or WorldatWork organizations.

Skilled HR experts attract, develop, and retain top federal talent.

6. Contract Specialist

Contract specialists oversee procurement and acquisition processes to obtain necessary goods and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess purchase requests and solicit competitive bids from vendors
• Evaluate proposals, negotiate terms, and award contracts
• Manage contractual relationships between vendors and government clients
• Prepare purchase orders, contracts, and claim documents
• Interpret and ensure compliance with acquisition regulations like FAR
• Research product/supplier availability, options, and pricing

Average Salary

$70,000 per year

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, procurement, finance, law, or a related field
• Formal training in government acquisition preferred
• Experience analyzing vendor proposals and negotiating contracts
• Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

Application Tips

• Obtain Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C).
• Demonstrate experience administering and overseeing contracts throughout lifecycles.
• Highlight procurement skills like market research, vendor sourcing, client needs analysis.

Sharp contracting personnel obtain optimal pricing and service terms on major federal purchases.

7. Budget Analyst

Budget analysts advise on the best allocation of federal funds and resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Forecast budget needs and prepare budget documents, presentations, and requests
• Track expenditures and analyze budget metrics to identify issues
• Develop financial models and scenarios to guide funding decisions
• Make recommendations for budget revisions and reallocations
• Ensure financial records comply with regulations and legislation
• Interpret and implement new budget-related policies, laws and rulings

Average Salary

$75,000 per year

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related quantitative field
• Public budgeting experience analyzing statistical data
• Financial modeling and forecasting skills
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities

Application Tips

• Obtain relevant credentials like Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) or Public Budgeting CPFO.
• Demonstrate experience with financial analysis, reconciliation, resource planning, and data modeling.
• Highlight communication and stakeholder engagement skills by coordinating budget processes.

Rigorous fiscal oversight enables prudent federal spending aligned with agency missions.

8. Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence analysts collect, synthesize, and evaluate classified information to produce actionable intelligence.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and gather intelligence information from varied classified sources
• Analyze data to identify risks, trends, and national security priorities
• Generate reports conveying analytical conclusions and implications
• Present briefings to key policymakers and officials
• Cultivate relationships and share information within the intelligence community
• Continuously expand subject-matter expertise and tradecraft

Average Salary

$80,000 per year

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in international relations, political science, or regional studies
• Ability to receive a Top Secret security clearance
• Critical thinking, research methodology, writing skills
• Foreign language proficiency is highly desired

Application Tips

• Highlight experience gathering and synthesizing intelligence from multiple sources to identify threats and produce actionable conclusions.
• Attain security clearances upfront to provide evidence of eligibility.
• Pursue advanced degrees focused on global affairs and foreign policy.

Sharp analysis converts raw intelligence into strategic recommendations defending national security interests.

9. Economist

Economists apply economic theories to research issues and inform policy decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor economic conditions and analyze the impacts of policies
• Develop econometric forecasts and quantitative models
• Compile data sets and review statistical techniques
• Write reports and present briefings on research findings
• Advise on the effects of fiscal and monetary interventions
• Interpret economic indicators like employment, inflation, trade, and productivity

Average Salary

$105,000 per year

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in economics, statistics, or mathematics
• Econometrics modeling and statistical analysis skills
• Experience gathering and interpreting economic data
• Advanced quantitative and computing abilities

Application Tips

• Showcase experience producing economic forecasts and data-driven policy recommendations.
• Learn programming languages like Stata, SAS, R, MATLAB, or Python.
• Take statistics and econometrics coursework to sharpen quantitative skills.

Economists apply complex data analysis to guide policy decisions that foster prosperity.

10. Attorney

Government attorneys provide legal counsel and uphold justice.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations
• Investigate cases and litigate on behalf of the government
• Draft proposed legislation and review pending bills
• Develop legal strategies, arguments, and briefs
• Represent client agencies in trials and appeals
• Advise officials on the legality of policies and actions

Average Salary

$110,000 per year

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree
• Admission to a state bar
• Trial litigation and legal research experience

Application Tips

• Gain admission to multiple state bars to broaden opportunities.
• Get hands-on federal legal internship experience through volunteering or clinics.
• Build expertise in legal specialties like tax law, employment law, cyber law, etc.

Lawyers defend and uphold the rule of law and public interest.

Closing Thoughts

This sampling of key federal occupations provides insight into the diversity and impact of government careers. Opportunities exist at over 200 federal agencies nationwide to match your interests and qualifications. With sound preparation tailoring your experience, you can land fair-paying, stable federal jobs delivering immense value to the country. Public service offers a noble calling to contribute your skills in pursuit of the greater good. Identify roles matching your passions, then start positioning yourself to support critical missions as a federal employee.