I have to pay my taxes every year just like everyone else. I have also been at the same pay grade for over 4years w/o a raise, and just one COLA over the last 4 years. My wife works part time in the community and makes almost as much as I do per hour and has not been an RN as long as I have.
Our pay as nurses in the federal government just barely meets what those nurses are paid in the community. I choose to work where I do because at least here our leadership knows what leading really means and what team work really looks like.
Yes, you file a tax return, but you (and all government employees, this is not personal) do not pay net taxes. Your salary is paid out of the treasury (from taxes collected), with a portion held back as ‘taxes’. There is no net gain to the treasury because your salary is paid out the treasury in the first place.
So you do not actually pay (re: create) taxes, you file a return yes, but your money that is withheld is not a gain to the treasury.
As far as your salary is concerned, I have a friend employed with government who makes nearly the same as the civilian rate in his field. The benefits and retirement though are top tier, drop dead generous. That is certainly something to consider.
I have had my income REDUCED (I’m medical too) because of uncertainties about 0bamacare scare and inadequate reimbursement from Medicare / Medicaid to the hospital where I work. Be happy you have a consistent income.