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Why do people say private companies pay more than governments?

From my experience, I don't find that to be the case. I think if you're the type who can make a lot in private sector, you'll get paid a lot in government. If you don't do well in private sector, you'll be at the bottom of salary range, if you join the government. Actually, when I was contracting for federal government, those dog-on private contractors were paying me as little as I can, but now I am with government (not federal), I am making more than I've been making while being a federal contractor.

Public Comments

1. We had someone (probably a teenage) come in here the other day asking, quite harshly, why people worked for the government when people make more in the private sector. I knew he had never actually worked anywhere and gave him a stern answer. My experience is that the government pays better than the private sector, also. Yes, at corporations is it possible to make very high salaries if a) you're there for years b) you went to graduate school c) you beat the competition for those jobs and d) you worked your butt off for 60, 70, or 80 hours per week. Where I live, all of the private sector jobs pay significantly less than the government, unless you're in a profession requiring long and specific training such as a lawyer, accountant, physician, engineer, ect. Then again, I live in the state capital, so of course there are going to be more government jobs here. I do have a degree, which the private sector doesn't care about, but the government might, even if it is just a little. I'm considering a career with the federal government in DC because, overall, I feel the government has more to offer than cut-throat corporations/private sector.
2. The answer is simple. Private companies are commercially oriented and carry on business !.Therefore from their profit, they can afford to pay more to their employees !! But mind you, the job security in private is a big zero!!. They can hire and fire at will , ignoring all laws !!