Raises

[Evan]

But if you're talking about a professional position that is difficult to fill then you may have to give raises to even the average employee to keep them.

While I agree with that, I'd argue that in a market like DC very few positions are hard to fill.

having been on the hiring end Id have to disagree.
throw in people with specialized skills, and high level clearances..... you throw money at just about any warm body that fits the description and hope they work out