[mooreds]

They are limited by the GS payscale.

> 18F team members are hired for specific position descriptions at a specific grade level from the federal general schedule (GS) (excluding SES positions). The GS system is a pay system for civilian employees in the federal government; evaluation and compensation varies by grade level. The qualification requirements for each position at a specific GS level are based on education, background, accomplishments, and experience. The specific requirements will always be listed in the job posting. Salaries of federal employees are public information, and your salary may become publicly available...

> The annual salary cap for all GS employees is $164,200 per year. You cannot be offered more than this under any circumstance.

More here: https://18f.gsa.gov/join/