Federal Workforce Increasingly Educated

According to new data gathered by the Office of Personnel Management, federal employees are continually looking for and taking advantage of opportunities to expand their education while building a career in public service.

This year, OPM gathered information about the level of education government workers have attained, in addition to other types of demographic data.

The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey results showed that 39 percent of federal employees who joined the workforce 10 years ago have increased their education. This data was obtained by comparing the 2014 respondents to the levels of education reported in a 2005 survey.

Eighty-six percent of federal employees who began working with the federal government as high school graduates went on to later earn additional higher education credentials during their public service career.

In the report, OPM noted that obtaining advanced degrees could help employees develop skills that will help advance their careers, increase their responsibilities in the workplace and even expand their roles in their respective agencies.

Results from the survey show the median salary for employees with a bachelor’s degree ($89,502) is nearly double that of employees with a high school degree or lower ($58,945). Approximately 5 percent more men hold bachelor’s degrees than women.

Additionally, of the federal employees who entered the federal workforce a decade ago with a high school diploma:

–          48 percent obtained a certificate or associate’s degree

–          24 percent obtained a bachelor’s degree

–          13 percent obtained an advanced degree

Federal workers can use resources like the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund to learn more about educational opportunities and scholarships. OPM also explains some ways agencies can offer flexibility for employees to obtain additional training and education.