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25 Highest Annual Salaries in Government

Searching for a high paying government job? Make sure you're looking in the right places.

21) Nurse – $65,345

Departments with High Demand:
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Department of Health and Human Services
• Department of the Army

Projected Growth: 23%

Employees Needed: 587,000

Education Level: The three major educational paths to registered nursing are a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, and a diploma from an approved nursing program.

Internship Opportunities:
The Department of Labor offers a OSHA Graduate Nurse Internship Program.

22) Technical Engineer – $63,951

Departments with High Demand:
• Department of the Army
• Department of Homeland Security
• Department of Transportation

Projected Growth: 7%

Employees Needed: 34,000

Education Level: Although it may be possible to qualify for certain engineering technician jobs without formal training, most employers prefer to hire someone with at least a 2-year associate degree in engineering technology.

Internship Opportunities:
The City of Cincinnati offers a Senior Engineer/Engineer Intern position.

23) Border Patrol Agent – $63,550

Departments with High Demand:
• Department of Homeland Security

Projected Growth: 9%

Employees Needed: 8,500

Education Level: Many agencies pay all or part of the tuition for officers to work toward degrees in criminal justice, police science, administration of justice, or public administration and pay higher salaries to those who earn such a degree.

Internship Opportunities:
The Federal Career Intern Program offers a FAQ on Border Patrol Agent positions.

24) Medical Technician- $59,840

Departments with High Demand:
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Department of the Army
• Department of the Air Force

Projected Growth: 12%

Employees Needed: 33,000

Education Level: Most medical technicians need an associate degree or a certificate in applied science or science-related technology

Internship Opportunities:
The Central Intelligence Agency offers a Medical Internship Program.

25) Customs Inspector – $59,248

Departments with High Demand:
• Department of Homeland Security

Projected Growth: 7%

Employees Needed: 1,100

Education Level: Applicants with college training in homeland security or military police experience will have the best opportunities.

Internship Opportunities:
The U.S. Customs Service offers a National Intern Program.

Source: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics