In 2005, 44 percent of federal workers were in management, professional, and related occupations, compared with 32 percent of private-sector workers, CBO said based on a comparison with its "current population survey."
While the government workers comprising the sample in the first survey have a higher concentration of managerial and professional occupations — who tend to be older, with more experience and education — CBO said further comparisons could still be made between the private and public sector workforces.
For example, the average age for federal workers in 2005 was 45 compared to 40 for the private sector, with the average ages among professionals and managers in government being 46 vs. 42 in the private sector.
About 43 percent of federal workers held bachelor’s degrees compared to 28 percent in the private sector, while 46 percent of federal workers versus 42 percent of private sector workers graduated college.