[admira1Ackb4r]

North of 100k, south of 200k. Assuming some level of seniority or subject matter expertise.

After that, there is a ceiling, so most will work for private firms or consult, making 2x, 3x, or much more.

[jjguy]

USG employees vs. contractor is an important distinction. Your ranges imply your friends are contractors. See techjuice's post for USG ranges.

[nataz]

GS12 w/ DC metro COLA and no engineering band bonus gets just across the line into 6 figures (103K).

Most senior technical folks (not just out of school/military, and not supervisor/team lead level) are going to be GS12-13.

Still, (almost) no one is making 200K as a federal employee.

[admira1Ackb4r]

source: Friends in the industry. One friend moved to UAE for a private-sector job, making tons, doing less actual security work.

[ganoushoreilly]

The ole’ move to UAE we pay for everything gig. Money wouldn’t cover that for me, it’s a huge adjustment in lifestyle.