How top-heavy is the federal government?  Take a look at some of the titles used in the government.  Realize that someone, somewhere is Washington D.C. actually introduces themself "Nice to meet you, I am John Doe, Principal Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary.  Here is my cousin, Jane Doe, Deputy Associate Deputy Administrator.  What is your title?"

Office of Secretary

Chief of Staff to the Secretary

Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary

Deputy Secretary

Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary

Deputy to the Deputy Secretary

Principal Associate Deputy Secretary

Associate Deputy Secretary

Deputy Associate Deputy Secretary

Assistant Deputy Secretary

Office of Under Secretary

Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary

Principal Deputy Under Secretary

Deputy Under Secretary

Principal Associate Deputy Under Secretary

Associate Deputy Under Secretary

Principal Assistant Deputy Under Secretary

Assistant Deputy Under Secretary

Associate Under Secretary

Assistant Under Secretary

Office of Assistant Secretary
Assistant Secretary title covers all Executive Level 4 titles, including commissioner, director, administrator, inspector general, general counsel, and chief financial officer.

Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary

Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary

Deputy Assistant Secretary

Principal Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary

Deputy Deputy Assistant Secretary

Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary

Assistant Deputy Assistant Secretary

Principal Associate Assistant Secretary

Associate Assistant Secretary

Chief of Staff to the Associate Assistant Secretary

Deputy Associate Assistant Secretary

Assistant Assistant Secretary

Chief of Staff to the Assistant Assistant Secretary

Deputy Assistant Assistant Secretary

Office of Administrator

Chief of Staff to the Administrator

Assistant Chief of Staff to the Administrator

Principal Deputy Administrator

Deputy Administrator

Associate Deputy Administrator

Deputy Associate Deputy Administrator

Assistant Deputy Administrator

Deputy Assistant Deputy Administrator

Associate Administrator

Chief of Staff to the Associate Administrator

Deputy Associate Administrator

Assistant Administrator

Chief of Staff to the Assistant Administrator

Deputy Assistant Administrator

Associate Assistant Administrator
 
 

Source: Brookings Institution