Uncle Sam: generous boss.

One of my more conspicuously unsuccessful campaigns over the past few decades has been to convince talented people outside of government that the pay for civil servants isn't all that bad, especially when benefits are considered. The problem has been that comparisons of federal and private sector pay have usually omitted these benefits. Now comes a survey by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis showing that with these benefits included the average federal employee is now making $106,000 a year, compared to only $53,000 in the private sector.

Since the early 1960s, federal workers have been receiving annual cost-of-living increases that are not typical of the private sector. Federal workers also receive frequent step or "merit" increases that are practically automatic as they are paid to 99 percent of those eligible. And while benefits in the private sector have been shrinking, the reds' have gotten even better. They now include inflation-indexed pensions, health insurance during work and retirement, additional retirement savings plans with generous contributions by the government, and 26 days of annual leave. That's five weeks and one day off, whereas for the private worker it's usually two weeks.

Furthermore, government jobs offer unusual security. The rate of layoffs and firing in the government is just one fourth that of the private sector. And the resignation rate indicates that most federal workers appreciate the deal they've got. It is also just one-fourth that of the private sector.

Of course, some government jobs are underpaid. An example is the contracting officer mentioned above. But, as a rule, the compensation is attractive enough that many more smart people should consider going into government. And those government employees who annually moan about the "pay gap" should abandon their self-pity.