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7 'Boring' Government Jobs That Are Desperate for Workers (With Pay Starting at $30 an Hour)

Explore these in-demand careers that offer strong job security and competitive pay.

By Chris Lewis, CEPF , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Sept. 28, 2026

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Nobody grows up dreaming of reviewing zoning plans or checking a building's fire exits. But those jobs keep cities running, and they pay better than you might think. If a career change could leave you with expenses to cover, explore the best credit cards with a 0% intro APR as you plan your budget.

The seven occupations below all had national median wages above $32 an hour in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Government agencies employ workers in each field, and BLS projects openings as workers retire or move to other jobs.

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Why these jobs keep hiring

Fast growth isn't the main story here. For these fields, BLS says many openings will come from replacing workers who retire or switch careers. That means jobs open up even when a field isn't adding many new positions.

Building inspection is a good example. BLS projects little or no change in the number of inspector jobs from 2025 to 2035, but it still expects about 14,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who leave.

In some places, the gap is already showing. Between January 1, 2023, and March 31, 2026, about 91% of California's trial courts used at least one incentive, such as higher pay, signing bonuses, or retention bonuses, to recruit and retain court reporters, according to the state's judicial branch.

Pay figures below are national median hourly wages. Starting pay is usually lower, and pay varies a lot by location.

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Property assessor — $32.67 an hour

Assessors estimate what homes and land are worth so local governments can figure out property taxes. The wage and outlook figures include both property appraisers and assessors. Local government is the largest employer of the combined occupation, with 41% of these jobs. BLS projects 3% growth from 2025 to 2035 and about 5,200 openings a year.

Librarian — $32.82 an hour

Most librarians work for local governments or public school districts. BLS projects 3% growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 12,600 openings a year. Librarians typically need a master's degree in library science.

Court reporter — $34.82 an hour

Court reporters create word-for-word transcripts of hearings, trials, and depositions. The wage figure also includes simultaneous captioners. About 44% of workers in the combined occupation work for state or local governments.

You typically need a postsecondary certificate rather than a four-year degree, and many states require a license or certification.

Building inspector — $35.91 an hour

Inspectors check that construction meets building codes, zoning rules, and permits. Local government is the largest employer. Most inspectors get in with a high school diploma plus experience in a construction trade, and many states and cities require a license or certification.

Fire inspector — $36.50 an hour

Fire inspectors look for fire hazards and make sure buildings follow fire codes. The wage figure includes both fire inspectors and investigators. About 81% work for local or state governments. BLS projects 6% growth from 2025 to 2035.

This usually isn't an entry-level job, since most employers want firefighting or related experience first.

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Compliance officer — $38.81 an hour

Compliance officers make sure people and organizations follow laws and regulations, from licensing rules to labor laws. The government is the biggest employer, with 35% of these jobs. BLS projects 4% growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 32,700 openings a year. A bachelor's degree is typical.

Urban planner — $42.94 an hour

Planners help decide how land gets used, from new housing to roads and parks. About 83% work for local or state governments. BLS projects 4% growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 3,200 openings a year. A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited planning program is typical.

Before you apply

Government jobs usually post a salary range, so check where new hires start, not just the top of the range. Factor in benefits like retirement plans and health coverage when you compare offers.

Look beyond federal job boards, too. Cities, counties, courts, and school districts often post openings on their own websites.

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Bottom line

These jobs may not impress anyone at a dinner party. But these occupations pay more than $30 an hour at the national median, and BLS projects openings as workers leave or retire. If you'd rather work with rules, records, or inspections than chase a flashy title, one of these could be a steady next move and could help you get well ahead financially.

Editor's Note: Portions of this story were drafted with assistance from generative AI tools. All final creative decisions, edits, and fact checking were done by human writers and editors.

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