GovTech career guide

How to work in government technology

Government technology is one of the most mission-driven, stable, and underrated career paths in tech. Here is how to break in — whether at federal agencies, state CIOs, or civic tech organizations.

What govtech actually is

Government technology (‘govtech’) covers software, data, and digital services built for or by government. Pay is often lower than big tech — but the mission, stability, and work-life balance are frequently better.

Federal agency IT

USDS, 18F, VA, IRS, HHS Digital

State and local digital services

State CIO offices, city digital teams

Government contractors

Booz Allen Hamilton, Palantir, Maximus, Leidos

Civic tech nonprofits

Code for America, MySociety, Nava

The best entry points for career changers

These programs and organizations are specifically designed to bring experienced people from industry into government.

Presidential Innovation Fellows (PIF)

A 12-month fellowship placing technology leaders in federal agencies. Highly competitive but accepts people from industry.

U.S. Digital Service (USDS)

Hires designers, engineers, and product managers directly. Competitive but specifically seeks people who want to use their skills for public good.

18F (GSA)

An in-house digital consultancy within the federal government. Works across agencies on digital modernization.

Code for America

Nonprofit working on civic technology. Entry point for people who want to work adjacent to government.

State CIO offices and digital service teams

Many states have stood up their own digital service units — easier to get into than federal, often just as impactful.

The roles in highest demand

These are the skill areas where government is most actively looking for talent from outside.

Product Manager

Government has a severe shortage of product managers who understand user-centered design. Legacy systems affect millions of people.

UX Designer / Researcher

Government websites and services are notoriously difficult to use. UX professionals who can navigate procurement and bureaucracy are extremely valuable.

Data Analyst

Federal agencies hold enormous datasets. Analysts who can make sense of them are in short supply.

Cybersecurity

One of the highest-demand roles in federal government — both as civilians and contractors.

The tradeoffs to understand

Govtech is not for everyone. These are the honest realities that sort people who will thrive from those who will not.

Salary

GS pay scale (federal civilians) is often lower than industry, especially at senior levels. Contractors often earn more. Benefits (health, pension, leave) are excellent.

Pace

Government moves slowly. Projects that take 3 months in a startup can take 18 months in government. Tolerance for this is a real sorting mechanism.

Security clearance

Many federal roles require a security clearance — which takes 6–18 months to obtain. Some contractors will hire you while the clearance processes.

Mission

The work is consequential in a way that most industry roles are not. Products you ship affect millions of people.

Next step

Explore product management

Product management is one of the highest-demand roles in govtech. Learn how to get your first PM job — including inside government.

Explore product management