Government workers are essential to society. Federal, state and local bodies provide homeland defense, law enforcement, fire and rescue, as well as representing U.S. interests abroad. Their reach is even more integrated – from the daily newspaper to the coffee in your mug to your favorite sitcom – the government plays a role in ensuring its citizens’ safety, protection, and freedom.

With unbeatable benefits, reasonable hours and observed holidays off, the government serves as an ideal workplace to help your career, your family and your country. Here’s a list of GovCentral’s top dream jobs – with a job description, average salary, education requirements and growth outlook for each position.

• Homeland Security

• Detective

• Federal Agent

• Investigation

• Politics and Government

• Economics

• IT Manager

• Legal and Claims Examining

• Biological Sciences

• Engineering & Architecture

• Human Resources

• Business and Industry

• Accounting, Budget, and Finance

• Computer Scientist