I thought they were pitched as a service opportunity. Regardless, it's a small team that only operates at the federal level, state and local budgets are much more limited.

"Salaries at USDS vary, but don’t exceed $170,800, determined by your experience and skills." So, they do have a relatively low top salary, but it is very difficult to do any salary for the government based on skills versus age (disguised as years of experience). At best you might find adjustments for degrees earned, which don't translate well to actual value.