BestOfBid.com - Federal contractor employee or Federal employee?

Federal contractor employee or Federal employee?

I recently have been offered a position with a federal contractor to work with a big government agency. I would work at that agency's headquarters and I assume pretty much do everything with that agency. On the other hand I also recieved a job offer from another government agency and be a direct federal employee. Both positions are pretty much the same, but I just want to compare the differences of working as contractor and working as a federal employee.

Public Comments

You'll have a lot more opportunity for advancement into higher salary positions if you stay out of the government and work for a contractor. Many government employees would love to get an offer from a contractor. Regardless of perception, government jobs just aren't as lucrative.
pay and benefits.. maybe the contractor would pay slightly better, but being a federal employee would allow you to have the health insurance and benefits given to each and every employee. They do say that having these benefits are equivalent in making an additional 10k a year. Being a son of a Special Agent for Customs (and then a ICE Special Agent with Home Land Sec.) .. i have direct experience to the overall greatness of these benefits (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.asp) (I am always sick and they cover everything)... also being an agent (also officers), he got a car with payed expenses.. but you wouldn't... In a few years following I will applying for adjudications officer or Intelligence Analyst/Specialist (with Dep. Home. Sec.) and fully aware of everything it encompasses.. This also includes a 401K-type fund that you can use... hope this helps... i'm sure there are more things, but that's what i got!
It would depend on 2 things. If you were to take the Federal Contractor Employee job, You would probably do better in the short term. If you take the Federal Employee job, you would probably do alright in the short term but the long term would have greater benefits. Also remember that Patience is a virtue.