But are the other employees that you mention, contract workers or government workers. You have to take into account what they pay the agency for you, not what you make an hour. Most agencies make about 50% off contract employees, that's what keeps them in business. After doing contract work for 3 years, I am very bitter to-wards it and would rather flip burgers than go through an agency again. Also they had to pay the agency an upfront fee for your services.

I hope you get your higher hourly wages, I never meant to imply that you aren't worth it