Federal Pay Schedule
My Personal Experience with the Federal Pay Schedule
As a federal employee, the Federal Pay Schedule has been a crucial part of my career. It determines my salary and benefits, and understanding it is essential for financial planning. However, it can be challenging to navigate, especially for new employees. In this article, I will share my knowledge and experience with the Federal Pay Schedule to help others understand it better.
What is the Federal Pay Schedule?
The Federal Pay Schedule is a system that determines the salaries of federal employees. It is based on the General Schedule (GS), which is a pay scale that ranges from GS-1 to GS-15, with each level having ten steps. The Federal Pay Schedule also includes other pay systems, such as the Senior Executive Service (SES) and the Federal Wage System (FWS).
List of Events and Competitions of the Federal Pay Schedule
- The annual pay adjustment and locality pay update
- The Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Open Season
- The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) Open Season
- The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Open Season
- The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
Detail Schedule Guide for the Federal Pay Schedule
The Federal Pay Schedule is updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and other factors. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) publishes the new pay tables each year, which show the salaries for each GS level and step, as well as the locality pay rates for each geographic area. Employees can also use the OPM’s Pay Calculator to estimate their salary based on their location, grade, and step.
Schedule Table for the Federal Pay Schedule
| GS Level | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | $19,048 | $19,048 | $19,048 | $19,048 | $19,048 | $19,048 | $19,048 | $19,048 | $19,048 | $19,048 |
| GS-2 | $21,342 | $22,069 | $22,796 | $23,523 | $24,250 | $24,977 | $25,704 | $26,431 | $27,158 | $27,885 |
| GS-3 | $23,774 | $24,619 | $25,464 | $26,309 | $27,154 | $28,000 | $28,845 | $29,690 | $30,535 | $31,380 |
| GS-4 | $26,233 | $27,206 | $28,179 | $29,152 | $30,125 | $31,098 | $32,071 | $33,044 | $34,017 | $34,990 |
| GS-5 | $28,945 | $30,051 | $31,157 | $32,263 | $33,369 | $34,475 | $35,581 | $36,687 | $37,793 | $38,899 |
Question and Answer: FAQs About the Federal Pay Schedule
Q: How often is the Federal Pay Schedule updated?
A: The Federal Pay Schedule is updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and other factors.
Q: How is my salary determined?
A: Your salary is determined by your GS level and step, as well as any locality pay adjustments for your geographic area.
Q: What is the Senior Executive Service (SES)?
A: The SES is a pay system for senior government officials who are not in the GS system. They are typically appointed by the President and serve in high-level management positions.
Q: What is the Federal Wage System (FWS)?
A: The FWS is a pay system for federal employees who work in trade, craft, or labor positions. It is based on local prevailing wage rates for similar jobs in the private sector.
Conclusion
The Federal Pay Schedule can be complex, but understanding it is essential for federal employees. By following the annual updates and using the OPM’s resources, you can stay informed about your salary and benefits. I hope this article has provided valuable information and insights into the Federal Pay Schedule.