The Public Employee Resource Group regularly reviews publicly available data related to government employment. Our 2025 analysis identifies several notable trends that may be of interest to current and prospective public sector workers.
Workforce Demographics Are Shifting
One of the most significant trends in recent government data is the continued aging of the public sector workforce. A substantial portion of current government employees are approaching retirement eligibility within the next five to ten years, creating both challenges and opportunities across all levels of government.
This demographic shift is particularly pronounced in certain sectors:
- Federal government — A significant percentage of the federal workforce is over 50, with many agencies facing potential waves of retirements
- K-12 education — Teacher workforce data shows an aging population in many states, compounded by recruitment challenges
- State and local government — Public safety and administrative roles show similar demographic patterns
Compensation and Total Benefits
Publicly available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to show that while base salaries in the public sector often lag behind private sector equivalents, total compensation — including benefits — tells a different story.
Government employees generally receive:
- More comprehensive health insurance coverage
- Access to defined benefit pension programs
- Greater job security and stability
- More generous leave policies
Understanding this total compensation picture is important for public employees evaluating their career options.
Remote and Hybrid Work
The evolution of work arrangements in government continues. While some agencies have expanded remote and hybrid options, others have moved to bring employees back to traditional office settings. The data shows significant variation across agencies and jurisdictions.
What This Means for Public Employees
Workforce trends don't determine individual outcomes, but understanding the broader environment can help employees make more informed decisions about their careers. Being aware of demographic shifts, compensation trends, and policy changes is part of staying informed as a public sector worker.
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Analysis based on publicly available government data sources. This content is for informational purposes only.