I have worked in state and local government settings in various states. Here are the things to be aware of: 1. The advertised salary range is just that - the minimum to maximum pay range. In extremely rare cases, I've seen maximums raised for very high level executives (but it requires approval, usually by a Board or CEO). 2. Placement on a step is negotiable but depends highly on the rules of that jurisdiction. It can be as simple as exceeding the years of experience requirement or as cumbersome as pointing out ways you exceed other minimum requirements (e.g., having a BS when no degree is required, certifications, etc.). 3. Other perks such as vacation time are often negotiable. Don't be afraid to ask. 4. READ THIS - Most important of all, once you're in that government entity - future salary increases, vacation accruals, etc. are constrained by your current compensation, even in California where basing an offer on past salary history is illegal in the private sector! There are always rules on increases and they almost never have anything to do with your performance. Therefore, you MUST negotiate everything you can (once you secure a job offer) because you won't have another opportunity. I've actually seen people leave government jobs and come back as a "new" employee because it was more financially beneficial (although many jurisdictions have rules that discourage this). Good luck!