Federal Trade Commission Attorney Salary and Benefits in USA (2025)

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a key agency protecting consumer rights and enforcing fair competition across U.S. markets. FTC attorneys play a vital role in investigating antitrust violations, prosecuting deceptive practices, and shaping economic policy through litigation and regulation.

In 2025, Federal Trade Commission attorney salary and benefits remain a major interest for law professionals entering public service. With rising costs of living and a competitive legal job market, it's essential to understand how FTC pay compares, what perks are included, and how careers can grow within the federal system.

This article delivers a complete guide for lawyers, law students, and policy professionals curious about working as an FTC attorney. You’ll find:

• Detailed pay scales with GS grade and step breakdown

• Insights into locality pay and how it affects total compensation

• A full list of benefits and bonuses — from health coverage to loan repayment

• Comparison to other federal legal roles

• Career progression tips, hiring requirements, and FAQs

2. Overview of Salary Structure for FTC Attorneys (2025)

FTC attorneys are paid under the General Schedule (GS) system, a standardized pay structure for federal employees. Legal professionals usually start at GS-11 or GS-12, depending on experience. Senior attorneys may reach GS-15, the highest non-executive pay grade.

Compensation consists of:

1. Base Pay – from the GS table for 2025

2. Locality Pay – percentage added based on duty station cost of living

3. Special Pay – such as recruitment bonuses or law school loan repayment

Locality matters. For example, an FTC lawyer in Washington, D.C. earns considerably more than one in an area with a lower cost of living.

3. Salary Table: FTC Attorney Pay by Grade and Step (D.C. Locality, 2025)

Note: Locality rates differ across cities. For instance, New York or San Francisco locality may slightly exceed D.C. values, whereas smaller cities may yield lower totals.

4. How FTC Attorney Pay Works

4.1 General Schedule (GS) Explained

FTC attorneys follow GS pay grades (GS-11 to GS-15). Each grade has ten “steps,” with small salary increases annually based on performance.

4.2 Locality Pay Increases Compensation

Locality pay reflects regional living costs. Agencies like OPM adjust percentages annually. High-cost areas have higher locality percentages.

4.3 Special Legal Pay Rates

Some legal positions have special rates due to critical need or shortage of attorneys. Such roles—especially under DOJ—may exceed GS maximums.

4.4 Bonuses and Incentives

FTC attorneys may receive:

• Recruitment Bonuses to attract top candidates

• Loan Repayment for law school debt

• Retention Incentives to keep high-performing staff

5. Detailed Salary Breakdown by Grade

GS-11 Attorney

Entry-level position.

• Salary Range: $82,000 to over $92,000 annually (D.C.).

• Duties: Preliminary legal research, drafting initial documents, assisting senior lawyers.

• Growth: Move through steps with performance reviews.

GS-12 Attorney

Intermediate level.

• Salary Range: $99,000 to $111,000 annually.

• Duties: Drafting motions, participating in investigations, overseeing junior staff.

• Opportunities: More impactful cases, developing specialist expertise.

GS-13 Attorney

Experienced level.

• Salary Range: $117,000 to $131,000 annually.

• Duties: Leading litigations, supervising GS-11/12 attorneys, representing FTC in court.

• Influence: Decision-making on significant cases.

GS-14 Attorney

Senior legal leader.

• Salary Range: $139,000 to $156,000 annually.

• Duties: Directing legal strategy across divisions: antitrust, consumer protection.

• Leadership: Mentoring, policy shaping, complex litigation.

GS-15 Attorney

Top-tier federal attorney.

• Salary Range: $162,000 to $183,000 annually.

• Duties: Managing program-wide legal departments, supervising district attorneys, executive-level strategy.

• Impact: Leading national policy, advising agency leadership.

6. Allowances, Bonuses, and Incentives

6.1 Locality Adjustments

Large urban areas may have 30%+ locality rates, significantly boosting income.

6.2 Recruitment & Retention Bonuses

FTC may offer bonuses for high-demand legal roles or to retain key personnel.

6.3 Recruitment Incentive Payment

One-time bonus for attracting top talent in specialized legal fields.

6.4 Law School Loan Repayment

Programs that assist with loan payments, subject to qualifying criteria.

6.5 Bar Dues Reimbursement

FTC may reimburse professional fees for attorneys’ licensing requirements.

6.6 Rare Hazard Pay

For temporary assignments involving risk (e.g., international enforcement operations, rare field investigations).

7. FTC Attorney Benefits Package

7.1 Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Comprehensive federal health insurance with multiple plan options to meet different needs.

7.2 Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)

Combines retiree pension, Social Security benefits, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

7.3 Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Tax-advantaged retirement contributions with federal matching up to 5%.

7.4 Paid Leave

• Annual Leave: 13–26 days per year, based on total federal service.

• Sick Leave: 13 days per year.

• Federal Holidays: 11+ days per year.

7.5 Work-Life Balance

Opportunities for telework, flexible time, and remote assignments (common post-2020).

8. Comparison with Other Federal Attorney Roles

8.1 DOJ Attorneys (Department of Justice)

DOJ salaries align with GS levels but may include special pay rates for litigator shortages.

8.2 SEC Attorneys (Securities and Exchange Commission)

Similar GS structure. May offer higher locality pay in financial centers like New York.

8.3 State vs. FTC Attorney Pay

• State Government: Variable pay rates. Some state capitals may pay less than FTC at comparable experience.

• FTC Attorneys enjoy standardized pay, better benefits, and stronger long-term retirement planning.

9. Factors Affecting FTC Attorney Salary

1. Education Level – J.D., advanced legal certifications, or specialized law degrees can influence starting grade.

2. Experience – Lateral entry may begin at GS-13 or GS-14 for prior experience.

3. Performance – Step increases depend on performance evaluations.

4. Duty Station – Locality pay varies by city cost.

5. Federal Pay Adjustments – Congress typically approves annual federal pay increases.

10. Career Growth and Promotion Opportunities

• Grow from GS-11 to GS-15 through performance and specialization.

• Leadership roles in divisions like Competition & Consumer Protection.

• Transition to SES (Senior Executive Service) or other federal agencies for further advancement.

11. Joining Requirements for FTC Attorneys

• Citizenship – Must be U.S. citizen.

• Education – J.D. from ABA-accredited law school.

• Licensing – Bar admission in any U.S. jurisdiction.

• Application Process – Resume, transcripts, writing samples, interviews.

• Competitive Pool – Many candidates; showcase relevant enforcement experience or federal legal interest.

12. FAQ — Federal Trade Commission Attorney Salary & Benefits (2025)

1. What is the starting salary for an FTC attorney?
Typically around $82,000 in D.C. at GS-11 Step 1. May begin higher with prior experience.

2. How much more does locality pay add?
In D.C., approximately 32.5% of base pay. Other cities vary: New York may be similar; smaller cities lower.

3. Are bonuses available?
Yes — limited recruitment, retention, and loan repayment bonuses may apply in certain cases.

4. Does the FTC help with student loans?
Yes, eligible attorneys can participate in loan repayment assistance programs, especially for public interest roles.

5. Do FTC attorneys have retirement benefits?
Yes — under FERS, they receive a progressive pension, Social Security, and TSP matching.

6. Can I telework as an FTC attorney?
Yes, the FTC offers telework and flexible scheduling to support work-life balance.

7. How long do promotions take?
Step increases can come annually, with grade promotions typically requiring 2–3 years of high performance.

8. Can attorneys transfer to other agencies?
Yes, federal mobility allows lateral movement to DOJ, SEC, or other agencies, subject to position availability.

9. Are there cost-of-living differences between duty stations?
Yes — locality pay adjusts for cost differences. Expect major metro areas to pay more.

10. What is the highest FTC attorney salary?
Around $182,500 in D.C. for GS-15 Step 5. SES positions may earn more.

13. Conclusion

In 2025, a career as an FTC attorney offers competitive pay, robust benefits, and opportunities for meaningful work shaping policy and protecting consumers. With federal salary scales, locality adjustments, generous retirement packages, loan repayment, and flexible working options, the job remains attractive for law graduates and experienced attorneys alike.

If public service, regulatory impact, and legal excellence align with your goals, pursuing an FTC attorney role is a valuable path forward. Explore current openings on USAJOBS and connect with federal legal recruitment programs to elevate your career.