An Analysis of Changes in the Federal Civilian Workforce 1995-2005

The federal government is the largest employer in the US and the Federal civilian workforce alone costs taxpayers more than $129 billion each year. At the request of the Congressional Research Service, this report examines trends in the size and characteristics of the civilian workforce from 1995 through 2005. The report finds that after a period of decline, the workforce has again begun to grow in size, the workforce is becoming older, and at the same time it is becoming more concentrated in professional and administrative jobs and the upper pay levels.