Who Else Beside Civil Servants Have Prospered During the 'Recession'?

Figures by the US Census Bureau reveal sharply worsening conditions for tens of millions of Americans under the impact of the economic crisis and the accumulation of vast wealth by a relative handful. Overall, the 2009 American Community Survey reveals that median household income fell in the US nearly 3 percent between 2008 and 2009, from $51,726 to $50,221. This was the second consecutive year in which household incomes dropped. Median income declined in 34 states, and increased only in sparsely populated North Dakota. [2009 Income Gap in the U.S. Highest on Record, Socialist Equality Party, September 29, 2010]

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis for 2008 (an organization within the Department of Commerce), the average federal employee made $79,197, excluding benefits; when benefits were added in, the average federal employee's total compensation was $119,982. The average private sector employee made $49,935; when benefits were added in, the average private employee's total compensation was $59,909. Stated differently, the benefit cost for the average federal employee back in 2008 was $40,785; the average benefit cost for private sector employees for the same year was $9,974. [Ralph Smith, Federal Pay Gap With Private Sector Growing, FedSmith, August 25, 2009]

The pay gap between federal workers and the rest of the economy is getting wider. Since 1990, average compensation has increased 115% in the government and 69% in the private sector, while average wages have increased 104% in the government and 65% in the private sector. [Chris Edwards, Federal Pay Outpaces Private-Sector Pay, The Cato Institute, May 2006]

It is becoming very, very difficult to live a middle class lifestyle if you do not work for the government. More than 40 percent of Americans who actually are employed are now working in service jobs in the private sector, which are often very low paying. So the tables have turned: the private sector now works to service the public sector, the last great source of middle class. However, the following companies are paying quite well, yet note that some of them deal directly with the public sector for government contracts.

Top-Paying Companies

February 20, 2011

Fortune onCNNMoney.com

1. Salesforce.com

Average total pay: $318,323
For: Senior Account Executive*
Best companies rank: 52

Salesforce.com goes to extremes to reward the top performers who have helped drive its growth. No wonder this online software provider tops this year's list of best payers.

The sales force gets hefty bonuses. The biggest earners get to enjoy goodies like "Breakfast at Tiffany's" -- a $5,000 shopping spree offered during last year's sales incentive trip to Hawaii. Since Tiffany doesn't have a store in Kauai, Salesforce.com hired local carpenters to recreate one, shipped in $1 million in merchandise from surrounding islands, and hired a violin player, chef, and even Miss Hawaii to add ambience.

Not that they don't spread the wealth around: Full-time employees receive a "Mahalo Bonus" (Hawaiian for "thank you"), twice a year -- up to 140% of the target payout. And those lucky employees who've received stock have seen their shares more than double in value over the past year.

2. Bingham McCutchen

Average total pay: $219,888
For: Associate*
Best companies rank: 28

This Boston-based law firm not only pays attorneys more than $200K in salaries on average, they also kick in 7.5% of salary to a pension plan for staff members, plus another 2.5% through a 401(k) match. Bingham also pays the lion's share for a health plan that covers everything from acupuncture to sex-change surgery.

Employees can rub shoulders with bigwig advocates like Thurgood Marshall Jr. and the former governors of California (Pete Wilson) and New Hampshire (Steve Merrill). Bingham lawyers last year worked on pro bono cases ranging from supporting gay marriage equality in California to supporting Haitians displaced after the earthquake.

Yet the firm also fosters a playful culture with regular ping-pong matches, poker tournaments, and "Wii and Bucket of Beer" competitions. It even pays to play well in the sandbox: Staff can earn merit bonuses for demonstrating "office citizenship" or "positive thinking and teamwork."

3. Alston & Bird

Average total pay: $182,681
For: Associate*
Best companies rank: 13

Once the workplace of golfer Bobby Jones, this Atlanta-based law firm provides employees with merit bonuses up to 10% as a matter of course, and that payout has gone as high as 25% when budget goals are exceeded. Staff can top off their pay with a 7% profit-sharing bonus, and 25 cents-on-the-dollar match on their 401(k) contributions, up to 4% of salary.

A&B has outstanding family benefits, allowing primary caregivers to take up to 90 days' maternity leave and covering up to $7,000 in costs related to adoption. The firm also provides subsidized on-site childcare, granting scholarships to the children of lower-paid staff members. Women lawyers and staff help each other throughout the leave process, even swapping clothes through the firm's "Maternity Closet." Every baby born gets a romper that reads, "My Mommy [or Daddy] works at Alston & Bird."

4. Perkins Coie

Average total pay: $182,544
For: Associate*
Best companies rank: 55

Associates at this Seattle-based law firm earn above-market salaries while representing clients like Boeing, Amazon.com, Craigslist, and Starbucks (yes, they get free coffee). They can also reap dividends from the firm's equity stakes in various early-stage companies.

Last year, P&C fended off spammers for Facebook; helped Al Franken win his election; and defended Osama Bin Laden's driver on a pro-bono basis. One of the firm's partners is President Obama's personal attorney; her predecessor, also from Perkins Coie, holds a post as White House Counsel.

P&C was admirably egalitarian during the recession, as partners took a 10% pay cut but merely froze pay for staff and associates. When business ticked back up, non-attorney staff were the first to receive year-end bonuses. Other progressive perks include a 50% subsidy for employees to commute by public transportation, and $20-per-month reimbursement if they ride a bike in to work.

5. Devon Energy

Average total pay: $172,575
For: Engineer*
Best companies rank: 41

Now that's a lot of turkey: In a tradition dating back more than 30 years, all 3,500 employees at this Oklahoma City-based natural gas and oil company receive a $600 holiday bonus around Thanksgiving.

Devon also pays generous bonuses through a "cash performance" program that paid a median bonus of $7,200 in 2009. And their industry-leading retirement package contributes as much as 16% of salary to employees' 401(k) plans, in addition to a 6% match.

Devon laid off some 450 employees last July, as it divested its offshore operations in the wake of the Gulf spill. The company spent about $675,000 on outplacement services for affected workers. Remaining employees got a 3% raise -- except Executive Committee members, who declined to take a pay increase.

6. Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company

Average total pay: $166,354
For: Sr Oncology Sales Specialist*
Best companies rank: 56

Employees at this Cambridge, Mass., biopharma company have a serious mission: producing therapies to tackle cancer. But they still know how to have fun, holding regular WHIP ("Why the Hell aren't we In a Pub?) events, which last year ranged from taking the whole company to the Red Sox home opener to holding a Cinco de Mayo party where the CEO discussed the company's achievements.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based Takeda Oncology Company, Millennium rewards top performing employees with phantom and restricted stock through a long-term incentive plan.

Other perks include a tuition benefit up to $10,000 a year; pet insurance subsidies; an on-site camp for employees' kids; food deliveries from a local farm; and an unlimited sick-pay policy that says, "If you are sick, stay home until you feel better." Everyone gets three weeks' vacation -- plus a week off between Christmas and New Year's.

7. Goldman Sachs

Average total pay: $160,000
For: Other Exempt (Analysts, Program Analysts, Associates and Professional Non-Exempt)*
Best companies rank: 23

Everyone knows Goldman Sachs pays big salaries and jaw-dropping bonuses, but the firm's other benefits are nothing to sneeze at either. Case in point: Goldman has funded employees' retirement plans every year for more than 65 consecutive years. The current contribution is a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match, up to 4% of salary, that maxes out at $9,800. Everyone is guaranteed at least $6,000 a year, regardless of what they put in.

Nearly 40% are lucky enough to have access to "wealth creation opportunities" that enable them to reap bounty from the firm's investments. And more than 38,550 current and former Goldman employees have received stock since the firm's IPO in 1999.

Lest anyone say they're just out for themselves, Goldman donates about half a billion to charities and community programs every year, in part through a one-to-one match of employees' donations up to $20,000 per year.

8. EOG Resources

Average total pay: $158,008
For: Engineer*
Best companies rank: 66

When this Houston-based oil and gas company celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2009, all the men who work there received a pewter belt buckle with a drilling rig design, while women received a sterling silver pendant with 10 tiffany-cut cubic zirconia stones.

Even better than bling, EOG has not had a layoff in its 10-year history. Every new hire gets stock options and benefits on their first day -- including a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 6% of salary, a money-purchase pension plan, and at least three weeks' vacation.

All employees, from "roughnecks" in the field to the chairman at headquarters, participate in the same benefit plan: EOG pays 100% of employees' health-care costs and covers 80% for their dependents (including domestic partners), with a plan that covers vision care, acupuncture, and other benefits.

9. Brocade Communications Systems

Average total pay: $156,508
For: Software Engineer*
Best companies rank: 89

Employee ownership is a cornerstone at Brocade: All new employees get restricted stock on their hire date; later, they can receive shares based on performance. Managers and peers award spot bonus "Kudos" to high-performing employees, up to $2,000.

Tied into the business goals of this data management services and Ethernet switch provider is a drive to help society. Through one of its philanthropic initiatives, Brocade partners with local elementary and high schools to help boost students' interest in math and science.

Meanwhile, Brocade employees can take career-related classes and get tuition reimbursed up to $5,250 a year. Those in its finance and operations departments can broaden their skills via a job rotation program.

10. Boston Consulting Group

Average total pay: $154,051
For: Consultant*
Best companies rank: 2

Elite management consulting firm offers signing bonuses to new hires, as well as profit-sharing bonuses of between 5% and 10% of salary, and perks like automatic "gold" status on key partner airlines. Everyone gets three weeks' vacation to start -- which rises to four weeks after two years on the job.

To make the pot even more attractive, BCG last year launched "Project Choice," which lets people decide how their total compensation is split up. The firm lowered its automatic 15% retirement contribution, but raised base salaries and bonuses -- providing consultants with more cash on hand to pay off loans and other expenses.

BCG also looks out for employees' work-life balance. The firm issues a "Red Zone Report" showing which consultants have worked more than 60 hours for five weeks straight, so managers can lighten their load.

11. NetApp

Average total pay: $149,985
For: Member of Technical Staff SW 4*
Best companies rank: 5

This Sunnyvale-based data storage provider lowered incentive payout targets during the downturn to make sure everyone got their bonuses. Then when revenues increased again, the payout jumped up to 171% -- and employees carved up a whopping $146.7 million in bonuses, or about 8% of the company's operating budget. NetApp even paid out bonuses to the families of employees who had passed away, and to people who had left the company.

All new hires receive equity, and stock is given out on a performance basis each year. Last year, NetApp's VP of investor relations worked into the night urging shareholders to vote to allow employees to turn their underwater stock options into shares. Nearly 4,000 employees participated, and exchanged more than 24 million options into fully vested stock shares.

12. Scripps Health

Average total pay: $141,545
For: Manager-Director*
Best companies rank: 37

Manager-Directors may pull in six-figures, but Registered Nurses at this San Diego-area hospital and clinic system make out pretty well too: around $90,000 on average, plus more than $22,000 in additional compensation.

Scripps also offers a futuristic perk: Employees can receive a DNA screening to determine their genetic risk for more than 20 health conditions. Participants agree to have their lifestyle changes tracked via self-reported health assessments at three- and 12-month intervals, with follow-ups conducted for up to 20 years. Employees, their families, and friends pay just $150 for the $2,500 scan.

Other pay supplements include identity protection insurance, college savings plans, take-home dinners, auto insurance, pre-school discounts, and more. Anyone who participates in the hospital's wellness program gets discounted health insurance -- and anyone who avoids taking a sick day for one year receives a week's pay.

13. Qualcomm

Average total pay: $134,211
For: Engineer, Staff*
Best companies rank: 33

As if having a headquarters in sunny San Diego wasn't good enough, shares of this wireless technology maker climbed 60% over the second half of 2010 -- which is great for employees, since everyone gets equity shares upon hire. More than 90% of workers received a bonus and stock options last year.

Employees can also earn between $150 and $400 in subsidies to buy products equipped with the company's technologies, including Kindles and notebook computers. Qualcomm stays at the cutting edge of worker development with a web-based forum for employees to share and develop ideas, and the QIN Venture Fest, an annual competition in which teams develop new products, services, and businesses. Voluntary turnover is below 3%.

14. Cisco

Average total pay: $131,716
For: Software Engineer IV*
Best companies rank: 20

After the recession made it unlikely that Cisco would hit its bonus targets, company leaders simply lowered the mark -- and everyone got paid. And when on-site childcare at the company's San Jose campus filled up, Cisco built another one. The two centers now serve about 800 children combined, there is a full-time art and music teacher on staff, and the walls are installed with video cameras so employees can watch their kids from their desks.

About 95% of employees use flex-time while 85% take advantage of telecommuting options at Cisco, and the number of remote workers has grown by 27% in the last year as they use the company's video conferencing and virtual meeting technologies to stay in touch. In 2009, Cisco launched an early retirement program that provides a lump-sum payment equal to 12 months of base salary and 24 months' worth of health benefits.

15. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Average total pay: $131,234
For: Hotel General Manager*
Best companies rank: 83

The stylish San Francisco-based hotel chain fosters an irreverent and fun-loving culture while paying managers top-dollar salaries. New employees are asked to hula-hoop at meetings, and front-desk hotel employees challenge customers to games of "Rock, Paper, Scissors" to earn free room upgrades. If a hotel or restaurant earns customer raves, the entire staff can earn gift certificates, cash, or other prizes. Managers hand out special tokens to reward employees for delivering "Kimpton Moments," for outstanding customer service. The employee with the best "moment" of the year receives a $10,000 prize.

Kimpton's health insurance plan, available to those who work 30 hours or more a week, provides dental and vision, mental health, acupuncture, and fertility treatments. Families and opposite-sex domestic partners are also covered. Employees get free meals during their shifts, along with free nights per year at the hotel where they work (and discounts at other Kimpton hotels).

16. CH2M Hill

Average total pay: $129,986
For: Engineer*
Best companies rank: 90

About 15,000 employees own shares in this engineering company, which develops large-scale projects like water systems, energy plants, and highways. Workers can buy stock directly or through payroll deduction, 401k, or incentive rewards.

All full- and part-time workers begin receiving benefits on their first day of work, with coverage for medical, dental, life, and disability -- not to mention legal, auto, vision, long-term care, and even pet insurance. The company kicks in a 401(k) match of 81 cents on the dollar up to 4% of salary, with 2% given regardless of employee contribution.

CH2M Hill also provides grants to employees to participate in "Engineers Without Borders," whose projects range from developing fish farms at an orphanage in Thailand to upgrading water systems for a hospital in Kenya.

17. MITRE

Average total pay: $127,734
For: Information Systems Engineer, Lead*
Best companies rank: 96

A nonprofit research and development firm serving the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration, and other government divisions, MITRE helps its employees stash away enough savings to replace 80% to 100% of their salaries during retirement. The company matches up to 12% of employees' retirement savings with immediate vesting. The participation rate is 99%. MITRE's retirement holdings are around $3 billion.

Due to the recent downturn, the company opted not to grant pay raises in 2010, and instead gave lump-sum merit payments to everyone in the company. Some managers skipped their own payments to increase the pot for others in their divisions.

MITRE also compensates its workers through generous training programs: The company spends more than $7 million per year on internal and external training and offers each employee up to $24,000 in tuition reimbursement per year, with bonuses given for earning master's or doctoral degrees.

18. Johnson Financial Group

Average total pay: $123,926
For: SVP Commercial RM*
Best companies rank: 46

Family-owned and Wisconsin-based Johnson Financial Group is the kind of company that has its own employee choir and band. Employees take pride in offering "small-town service" to clients; workers volunteered an average of 63 hours last year, and the company contributed $1.1 million to charitable causes.

Unable to offer a profit-sharing bonus last year for the first time in decades, Johnson raised salary ranges at an above-the-market pace while bumping up merit bonuses. Senior tellers can make additional compensation that can equal almost a third of their salaries. The company also gives out abundant awards to recognize employees' contributions, including some cash prizes up to $15,000.

Johnson looks out for workers' futures with a money-purchase pension plan, as well as a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match of up to 2% of salary, with 50% matching on the next 5% of salary.

19. Adobe Systems

Average total pay: $123,599
For: Computer Scientist, Software Development 4*
Best companies rank: 65

You don't have to be a manager to earn big benefits at Adobe Systems, maker of software like Flash and Photoshop. The company provides "Dual Career Ladders," enabling top subject-matter experts to earn generous incentives and rewards without having to approve a single vacation request.

Everyone at the company is eligible for a 4- to 6-week sabbatical after every five years of service. Adobe also gives each new hire stock options and matches 401(k) contributions at 50%, up to 6% of salary. At the end of the year, the company even "matches-up" the contributions of those who don't reach their maximums. Employees over the age of 50 can earn an additional $5,000 through the plan's catch-up provision.

Adobe provides a $20 subsidy per month for commuting to work via bicycle, and employees in Seattle are given $30 vouchers for kayaking to work. The company provides all U.S. employees with a $100-per-month subsidy for public transit.

20. Microsoft

Average total pay: $120,657
For: Engineering - Software Development Engineer in Test*
Best companies rank: 72

The house that Bill Gates built keeps top talent in the door with pay packages that include above-market base pay and a 401(k) match that pays 50 cents on the dollar, up to 6% of salary.

Microsoft's healthcare policy is as comprehensive as it gets: The company pays 100% of premiums for employees and dependents, with no deductible or payroll contributions, and it covers everything from weight management to autism therapy.

The main campus in Redmond, Wash., continues to expand, with new sports fields, restaurants, shops, and convenience services. Workers get there from across the region via the company's fleet of Wi-Fi-equipped buses.

21. Baker Donelson

Average total pay: $118,996
For: Associate*
Best companies rank: 50

This Atlanta-based law firm -- which counts former U.S. Senator Howard Baker among its partners -- is one of the largest in the Southeast, attracting lawyers with above-market salaries and an amiable culture.

Baker Donelson offers a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match of up to 3% of salary, regardless of employee contribution, and everyone is eligible for a year-end bonus. Secretaries get additional bonuses when they work for more than two attorneys -- a unique perk in the industry, according to the firm.

Through its "Thank it Forward" program, the firm sends packets of thank-you cards to randomly selected employees, who send cards and packets on to coworkers they want to appreciate. The firm "mandates" at least one fun event per quarter, including chili cook-offs, pumpkin-carving contests, and ice cream socials. CEO Ben Adams Jr. personally calls people on their milestone anniversaries to thank them for their contributions.

22. The Everett Clinic

Average total pay: $118,500
For: Nurse Practitioners*
Best companies rank: 91

A physician-owned health care system in the Seattle area, the Everett Clinic surveys employees frequently to make sure their benefits are up to snuff. While other providers in the region were imposing pay freezes during the downturn, Everett bumped up its payroll by $1.82 million and doled out a 5% profit-sharing bonus on average to employees at all levels.

The company also kept up a 100% tuition reimbursement program and maintained 100% of employees' health-care coverage. It even contributes to the health premiums of retired employees.

Everett is piloting a "pay for performance" program -- an unusual approach in health care. The Clinic's turnover rate is just 3% for full-time positions.

23. Atlantic Health

Average total pay: $114,868
For: Manager*
Best companies rank: 54

A coupon for a free colonoscopy is just one way this New Jersey-based nonprofit health system compensates staff. More enticing perhaps, Atlantic also offers a pension plan that contributes up to 13% of employees' salaries per year, plus interest; 95% coverage of health care premiums; free life insurance; and salaries that are among the best in the market. The company also offers financial planning seminars to help workers manage their money.

Women outnumber men by more than 3-to-1 at Atlantic, and when employees asked for a better maternity benefit, they got it. A staffer can pay a whopping $15 for all her prenatal visits, delivery, and hospital stay. Other maternity perks include unlimited in-vitro fertilization procedures and on-site childcare across locations.

24. Chesapeake Energy

Average total pay: $114,084
For: Toolpusher*
Best companies rank: 32

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Chesapeake Energy has by far one of the most generous 401(k) programs among the "100 Best" -- 100% up to 15% of an employee's contribution, with $48 million contributed in 2009 alone. Employees aren't thrown to the wind regarding how to invest, either, with quarterly financial training available to all.

All new hires receive restricted stock, which is in keeping with the company's commitment to treat all employees as equals -- all workers receive the same benefits regardless of their role with the company, and no lavish perks are reserved for executives. Bonuses abound: In 2009, $4.2 million went to 2,858 employees to reward safety efforts.

25. Novo Nordisk

Average total pay: $112,939
For: Diabetes Care Specialist III
Best companies rank: 47

The world's largest maker of insulin, Denmark-based Novo Nordisk provides its U.S. employees with world-class pay and benefits for helping save the lives of diabetes patients in 179 countries.

At the manufacturing facility in Clayton, N.C.,hourly workers are eligible for a 10% bonus each quarter. To inspire them, posters hang throughout the facility that show the running tally of how much they'd get "if the bonus were paid today."

The company also matches 50 cents on the dollar of employees' 401(k) contributions, with an average automatic contribution of 8% of an employee's income.

Top salespeople receive a five-day trip for two to destinations like Monte Carlo, Maui, or the Bahamas; those who earn big for five years straight get a $5,000 bonus, company car upgrade, and other perks. To mark a recent revenue milestone, the company's entire sales force was treated to a "training at sea" cruise in the Virgin Islands.

*Most common salaried job

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