Best government agencies to work for
It's been a whirlwind couple of years with the COVID-19 pandemic and U.S. government agencies, especially those within the health sector, which are still in full-speed providing public service efforts.
Based on federal agencies that made the rankings, 84% of federal workers said their coworkers were cooperative in getting work done. Employees also expressed satisfaction overall with work-life balance, innovation, and how leadership at their workplace handled the pandemic. This is the most recent data from 2020, which was released in 2021.
The success of each agency's efforts depends largely on the dedication of the roughly who comprise the federal workforce, though. And research shows that when it comes to employee engagement, some agencies fare better than others.
To learn more about which government offices rank highly among their staffs, 麻豆原创 used data from rankings to compile a list of 35 federal agencies that are the best to work for, based mainly on a survey collected by the . The survey was completed between September and November 2020 by 624,800 government agency employees that are permanent full-time or part-time workers. The 35 agencies in this list are ranked by their 2020 employee engagement score.
Whether you're considering a career in public service, or you're just curious about the federal government as a workplace, read on to learn about the best government agencies to work for.
#35. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- 2020 employee engagement score: 71.7 (3.9% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 60.6
- One-year score change: +11.1
- Agency workforce size: small
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), created by Congress in 1972 under the , strives to reduce the risk of injuries and even death from consumer products. CPSC is dedicated to protecting consumers from products that could be hazardous by enforcing standards that must be met, banning consumer products, recalling products and ensuring there鈥檚 repairs, among other methods.
This agency has jurisdiction over myriad types of consumer products ranging from coffee makers to toys and even gardening products. CPSC employs people in a range of industries such as attorneys, administrative and clerical staff, compliance officers, and toxicologists and chemists. in overall well-being during COVID-19, effective leadership supervisors, and work-life balance.
#34. Merit Systems Protection Board
- 2020 employee engagement score: 72.3 (4.8% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 70.7
- One-year score change: +1.6
- Agency workforce size: small
This studies merit systems, reviews the actions of the Office of Personnel Management, and protects the rights of employees under federal merit systems. Staff at the Merit Systems Protection Board feel that the team cooperates to meet goals and shares knowledge among its members, according to.
[Pictured: Mark Robbins, vice chairman and acting chairman of the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board.]
#33. Department of the Treasury
- 2020 employee engagement score: 72.5 (5.1% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 62.5
- One-year score change: +10
- Agency workforce size: large
The Department of the Treasury is responsible for operating and maintaining systems that are critical to the nation鈥檚 federal finances. This includes collecting taxes and overseeing national banks, which involves printing and minting the country鈥檚 paper currency. Its staff consists mostly of financial professionals such as accountants, financial analysts, and budget analysts but there are other industries hired by the Department of the Treasury such as human resources professionals and information technology specialists. has handled the COVID-19 pandemic, supervisor leadership, and work-life balance.
#32. Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
- 2020 employee engagement score: 72.7 (5.4% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 62.5
- One-year score change: +10.2
- Agency workforce size: small
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board is an independent federal agency that administers the Thrift Savings Plan. This tax-deferred plan, similar to 401(k) plans, helps federal employees with additional savings toward retirement security. with the leadership team, how the agency has handled the COVID-19 pandemic, the teamwork, and work-life balance.
#31. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- 2020 employee engagement score: 73.3 (6.2% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 67.1
- One-year score change: +6.2
- Agency workforce size: midsize
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces federal laws that protect job applicants and workers from discrimination. A range of investigators, attorneys, information specialists, mediators, and statisticians keep this agency running. With such a strong mission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission may help employees feel a deep sense of purpose with their work.
#30. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- 2020 employee engagement score: 74.5 (8% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 70
- One-year score change: +4.5
- Agency workforce size: midsize
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is responsible for regulating commercial nuclear power plants and the use of radioactive materials for other purposes, like medicine. It primarily recruits engineers, scientists, and security experts. Employees feel their work is connected to the goals of the agency and that they have protection from job-related health and safety hazards, according to .
#29. Department of Commerce
- 2020 employee engagement score: 74.9 (8.6% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 69.6
- One-year score change: +5.3
- Agency workforce size: large
This agency works to promote job creation, encourage economic growth, and boost the standard of living across the country. It runs many offices and bureaus, including the International Trade Administration, Census Bureau, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, and the Office of Inspector General. The shows that 81% of staff at this agency have trusting, respectful, and supportive relationships with their supervisors.
[Pictured: Attendees at the U.S.-Africa Business Forum, 2016.]
#28. Department of Health and Human Services
- 2020 employee engagement score: 75.3 (9.1% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 71.4
- One-year score change: +3.9
- Agency workforce size: large
This agency works to promote advancements in public health, medicine, and social services to ensure the health and wellbeing of Americans. Employees can work at offices around the world, including in Denmark, Guam, Egypt, and Indonesia. Workers at the Department of Health and Human Services overwhelmingly report that they like their work and cooperate well with their colleagues, according to .
[Pictured: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci speaks about the coronavirus while flanked by (L-R) Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Robert Kadlec, CDC Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat, and HHS Secretary Alex Azar.]
#27. Department of Energy
- 2020 employee engagement score: 75.4 (9.3% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 68.2
- One-year score change: +7.2
- Agency workforce size: midsize
This agency is charged with of the nation, as well as encouraging innovations in science and technology and providing environmental cleanup related to nuclear weapons. It needs a variety of scientific and technical professionals to conduct its work. The agency has seen since 2014.
#26. Department of Transportation
- 2020 employee engagement score: 76.1 (10.3% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 65.7
- One-year score change: +10.4
- Agency workforce size: large
The Department of Transportation makes sure the country's transportation system is safe, efficient, and modern. Employees at this agency have expressed rising rates of job satisfaction in recent years. Around three-quarters of respondents to a recent survey said they would recommend the Department of Transportation as "."
#25. Federal Communications Commission
- 2020 employee engagement score: 76.6 (11% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 62.9
- One-year score change: +13.7
- Agency workforce size: midsize
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), regulates communications through radio, television, cable, and telephone. The FCC, considered the key authority in communications law in the country, upholds standards within media and methods of communication and oversees media company mergers and acquisitions. The FCC recruits for a variety of positions such as human resources specialists, program analysts, and sign language interpreters.
In 2020, with effective leadership, employee skills matching with the agency鈥檚 mission, and how the agency handled the COVID-19 pandemic.
#24. Intelligence Community
- 2020 employee engagement score: 76.7 (11.2% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 69.9
- One-year score change: +6.8
- Agency workforce size: large
This agency gathers and analyzes foreign intelligence and counterintelligence data for the president, legislators, the military, and law enforcement. The is staffed by business and accounting professionals, mathematical scientists, infrastructure and logistics experts, security providers, and intelligence analysts, among other workers.
#23. Surface Transportation Board
- 2020 employee engagement score: 77 (11.6% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 65.8
- One-year score change: +11.2
- Agency workforce size: small
Primarily focused on freight rail, this independent federal agency determines the economic regulation of surface transportation. Most employees at the Surface Transportation Board say they like the kind of work they perform, and they know exactly what鈥檚 expected of them, according to
#22. National Credit Union Administration
- 2020 employee engagement score: 79.4 (15.1% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 70
- One-year score change: +9.4
- Agency workforce size: midsize
This agency regulates federal credit unions and provides insurance for deposits at credit unions. Its workforce mainly consists of legal professionals, credit union examiners, and information technology specialists. Most employees at the National Credit Union Administration not only enjoy their work, but they also feel that it鈥檚 important, according to.
#21. Federal Housing Finance Agency
- 2020 employee engagement score: 79.5 (15.2% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 66.7
- One-year score change: +12.8
- Agency workforce size: small
Created 12 years ago, the Federal Housing Finance Agency supervises, regulates, and provides oversight of the housing mission of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac (the Enterprises), and the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Its staff primarily consists of finance professionals, information technology specialists, lawyers, and examiners. Employees report that their and that they have an open dialogue about their performance.
#20. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
- 2020 employee engagement score: 80.5 (16.7% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 73.8
- One-year score change: +6.7
- Agency workforce size: small
This agency aims to promote labor-management peace through mediation and conflict resolution for government agencies, communities, and industry. People who have experience or interest in mediation can seek employment at the. It鈥檚 no surprise that a workforce of people who know how to resolve conflict report scores.
[Pictured: John Everman and Barry Brown, mediators with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, lead labor management relations training at Robins Air Force Base.]
#19. Selective Service System
- 2020 employee engagement score: 81.3 (17.8% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 61.3
- One-year score change: +20
- Agency workforce size: small
The maintains information and registers eligible men in the case of a military draft. There鈥檚 a general draft for men ages 18鈥25 and a special skills draft based on professional expertise. In the event there would be either type of draft, the Selective Service System would send out notices and assign draftees. It鈥檚 a federal law for male citizens and male non-citizens to register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. At 26, men are ineligible to register.
Work-life balance, innovation, teamwork, and pay were some categories that ranked high among .
#18. National Transportation Safety Board
- 2020 employee engagement score: 81.3 (17.8% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 75.4
- One-year score change: +5.9
- Agency workforce size: small
Every civil aviation accident on American soil, as well as major accidents in other types of transportation, are investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. Its and administrative support. Its are higher than other similarly sized agencies.
#17. National Endowment for the Arts
- 2020 employee engagement score: 82.2 (19.1% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 78.8
- One-year score change: +3.4
- Agency workforce size: small
With an appropriation of $162.5 million, this and support for the arts. Employees have given the National Endowment for the Arts .
[Pictured: Sen. Chris Coons, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, convened with members of the arts community to hear about the impact of NEA grants in Delaware in 2019.]
#16. Smithsonian Institution
- 2020 employee engagement score: 82.3 (19.3% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 74.3
- One-year score change: +8
- Agency workforce size: midsize
With 19 museums and a zoo, the runs the largest "museum, education, and research complex" in the world. It hires a range of professionals, including animal keepers, accountants, conservators, curators, fundraisers, librarians, educators, and researchers. The vast majority of employees say that the Smithsonian Institution is "a good place to work," according to
#15. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
- 2020 employee engagement score: 82.5 (19.6% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 78.1
- One-year score change: +4.4
- Agency workforce size: midsize
Responsible for promoting confidence in the financial system, this agency and limits the effect of a bank failure on the overall economy. Its staff includes bank examiners, financial analysts, economists, and other professionals. In 2019, the FDIC started that encourages participation in project teams to improve the workplace and support the agency鈥檚 mission.
#14. Federal Maritime Commission
- 2020 employee engagement score: 83 (20.3% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 72.3
- One-year score change: +10.7
- Agency workforce size: small
The U.S. international ocean transportation system is regulated by the Federal Maritime Commission for the benefit of exporters, importers, and American customers. Most employees at the agency feel that their performance appraisals are fair and that the commission is successful at working toward its mission, according to.
#13. General Services Administration
- 2020 employee engagement score: 83.9 (21.6% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 75.6
- One-year score change: +8.3
- Agency workforce size: midsize
This, like products and facilities, to help federal agencies serve the public. Around 75% of employees at the General Services Administration feel that they are given on-the-job opportunities to improve their skills, according to.
[Pictured: On Oct. 5, 2017, former Sen. Claire McCaskill meets with St. Louis-native Emily Murphy.]
#12. National Science Foundation
- 2020 employee engagement score: 84.2 (22% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 75.7
- One-year score change: +8.5
- Agency workforce size: midsize
The National Science Foundation promotes scientific progress and provides funding for research at colleges and universities. While it employs scientists and engineers, the agency also consists of program administrators, directors, public affairs and communications professionals, and business operations experts. As a workplace, the National Science Foundation鈥檚 strengths include support for work-life programs and high standards of integrity, according to.
#11. Peace Corps
- 2020 employee engagement score: 84.8 (22.9% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 80.7
- One-year score change: +4.1
- Agency workforce size: small
The Peace Corps runs a service program that places volunteers in more than 60 countries around the world. It ranks highly as a place to work for.
[Pictured: U.S. Peace Corps volunteer Danielle Carrillo addresses other volunteers in Siem Reap, Cambodia.]
#10. Securities and Exchange Commission
- 2020 employee engagement score: 85.7 (24.2% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 77.4
- One-year score change: +8.3
- Agency workforce size: midsize
The Securities and Exchange Commission is responsible for maintaining that protect investors and facilitate the formation of capital. It recruits attorneys, accountants, economists, examiners, and industry specialists. Employees consider their relationships with their supervisors to be a strength of the SEC as a workplace, saying they feel their work-life needs are supported and their performance is discussed, according to.
[Pictured: U.S. Attorney General William Barr speaks at the SEC鈥檚 Criminal Coordination Conference in Washington D.C., on Oct. 3, 2019.]
#9. Farm Credit Administration
- 2020 employee engagement score: 86 (24.6% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 81.1
- One-year score change: +4.9
- Agency workforce size: small
This agency regulates the entities of the country鈥檚 biggest agricultural lender, the Farm Credit System, including banks, associations, and Farmer Mac. Most employees feel that they have the right resources to get their jobs done, as well as a reasonable workload, according to.
[Pictured: Kenneth A. Spearman, center, chairman and CEO of the Farm Credit Administration, testifies during a House Agriculture Committee hearing in Longworth Building to review the Farm Credit System.]
#8. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
- 2020 employee engagement score: 86.1 (24.8% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 79.6
- One-year score change: +6.5
- Agency workforce size: small
This agency provides insurance that protects private-sector pensions. It has more than 900 workers, including accountants, auditors, employee benefits law experts, and actuaries. According to the , 94% of employees feel they do important work.
[Pictured: Former Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez attends a Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation meeting.]
#7. US International Trade Commission
- 2020 employee engagement score: 86.4 (25.2% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 85.8
- One-year score change: +0.6
- Agency workforce size: small
This agency creates studies and reports about international trade and tariffs for the president and congressional committees. It also investigates situations related to international trade relief. It has significantly higher than average scores for .
#6. Office of Special Counsel
- 2020 employee engagement score: 86.5 (25.4% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 76
- One-year score change: +10.5
- Agency workforce size: small
This investigative and prosecutorial agency protects government workers (especially whistleblowers) and aims to stop corruption. Almost the entire staff at the Office of Special Counsel feels that, according to a 2016 survey.
#5. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- 2020 employee engagement score: 86.6 (25.5% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 81.5
- One-year score change: +5.1
- Agency workforce size: large
Better known as NASA, this agency is It studies the solar system with space probes, trains astronauts, improves air travel, and uses satellite data to learn about Earth. Employees feel encouraged to find innovative new ways to do things, and that the agency rewards creativity and innovation, according to.
[Pictured: Containment suits are seen at NASA where they unveiled the Orion Space Craft. The spacecraft is the first step in NASA鈥檚 Artemis Lunar mission; aiming to land the first woman and next man on the moon by 2024.]
#4. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
- 2020 employee engagement score: 87.2 (26.4% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 82.8
- One-year score change: +4.4
- Agency workforce size: midsize
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is responsible for regulating natural gas and hydropower projects, and 鈥渋nterstate transmission of natural gas, oil, and electricity.鈥 Employees reportedly like working at this agency because they feel that supervisors support work-life balance and treat them with respect.
[Pictured: The NRC and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission discuss shared issues.]
#3. Federal Trade Commission
- 2020 employee engagement score: 89.1 (29.1% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 82.4
- One-year score change: +6.7
- Agency workforce size: midsize
This agency collects consumer complaints and conducts investigations in effort to stop deceptive and fraudulent businesses. It invests heavily in the, offering training courses and opportunities to tackle high-profile issues.
#2. Government Accountability Office
- 2020 employee engagement score: 89.4 (29.6% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: 81.8
- One-year score change: +7.6
- Agency workforce size: midsize
Nicknamed the this agency looks at the way taxes are spent and provides objective information to help Congress and federal agencies save money. It offers career paths for analysts, attorneys, economists, criminal investigators, human capital management specialists, and other professionals. It has ranked among since 2005.
#1. Congressional Budget Office
- 2020 employee engagement score: 92.8 (34.5% higher than government-wide score)
- 2019 employee engagement score: data not available
- Agency workforce size: small
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is a federal, nonpartisan agency that assists Congress in creating effective budget and economic policies. This agency such as health analysts, administrative assistants, finance interns, and legal interns. It's no wonder why many employees enjoy their time such as flexible spending accounts, health club membership, and access to professional development and training.