If you take account of extremely generous public-sector pension plans, much more (usually) paid vacation and "personal " days, and the most guaranteed job security outside of academic tenure, public sector employees DO have a very cushy deal. Indeed, outside of "Fortune 500" companies that have relatively generous benefits, most of us in the private sector have far weaker benefits, pensions, and job (in)security than everyone that WE pay for in the public sector. Regardless of what your actual salary figures may be, you have it good, very good.
Also, feds usually get at least a 3% cost of living salary increase each year, and a 3-4% pay grade longevity promotion increase each year just for meeting minimal performance requirements.
GS-12 and GS-13's out in low cost of living cities around the country have a very sweet deal.
You work 40 hours a week. Make up to $95k a year. Get up to six weeks vacation. All the federal holidays, a ton of sick days and personal days. Flexible schedules and telecommuting options as well where you can compress your 10 day pay period into 9 days so every other friday is a day off....