Hourly
- Before
- $36.06
- After
- $36.42
- Increase
- +$0.36
2026 Federal Pay Update
Last updated: January 2026On August 28, 2025, President Trump issued an Alternative Pay Plan providing only a 1.0% base pay increase for General Schedule employees in January 2026, with locality pay rates frozen at 2025 levels. Covered law enforcement personnel receive an additional approximately 2.8% through special salary rates, for roughly 3.8% total.
With 2026 inflation near 3.0%, the standard 1% GS raise represents a real pay cut of about 2% in purchasing power for most federal employees.
Source: OPM 2026 Special Rates.
GS Pay Scale 2026
Federal Employee Raise Calculator
Calculate your GS step increase, grade promotion, or 2026 COLA raise - and see your real purchasing power after inflation.
Quick Verdict
1.0% GS raise
Standard 2026 federal pay trails inflation. Step increases, promotions, and law enforcement special rates are the meaningful exceptions.
Profession Benchmarks
2026 Federal Employee Salary Benchmarks
Federal salaries are set by statutory pay tables, so the right benchmark depends on grade, step, locality, and whether a special rate applies.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Employee Average Salary | $106,462/year ($51.18/hr) | ZipRecruiter May 2026 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,000/year | ZipRecruiter May 2026 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,500/year | ZipRecruiter May 2026 |
| 2026 GS Base Pay Raise | 1.0% | OPM Alternative Pay Plan |
| 2025 GS Base Pay Raise | 1.7% + locality adj. | OPM 2025 tables |
| 2026 Law Enforcement Special Rate | ~3.8% total | OPM 2026 special rates |
| GS Within-Grade Step Increase | ~3% per step | OPM GS system |
| Highest Paying City | Nome, AK: $132,066/yr | ZipRecruiter May 2026 |
Why is the federal salary range so narrow? Most full-time federal employees cluster in standardized GS grades rather than negotiating market-rate salaries individually.
Sources: ZipRecruiter Federal Employee Salary; OPM General Schedule; OPM 2025 Pay Tables; OPM 2026 Special Rates.
Federal Calculator Modes
Calculate GS pay actions and 2026 federal raises
Standard Raise Calculator
Calculate the 2026 federal base raise
The default scenario uses a $75,000 federal salary and the 2026 1.0% GS base raise. Use GS mode for steps, grade promotions, locality pay, and law enforcement rates.
Headline annual increase
$750.00
Five-year gain: $3.8K
Input Panel
Dial in the raise scenario
Every field recalculates instantly. This page keeps the raise type as percentage while salary and raise amount stay editable.
Raise Type
Percentage %
Percentage mode is locked for this page. Change the raise amount below to test any percentage.
Results Panel
Before vs. after
Compare the raise across every major pay period. The increase column stays highlighted so you can spot the practical change immediately.
| Period | Before | After | Increase | Increase % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hourly | $36.06 | $36.42 | +$0.36 | +1.0% |
Daily | $288.46 | $291.35 | +$2.88 | +1.0% |
Weekly | $1,442.31 | $1,456.73 | +$14.42 | +1.0% |
Bi-weekly | $2,884.62 | $2,913.46 | +$28.85 | +1.0% |
Monthly | $6,250.00 | $6,312.50 | +$62.50 | +1.0% |
Annual | $75,000.00 | $75,750.00 | +$750.00 | +1.0% |
+1.0%
Daily
- Before
- $288.46
- After
- $291.35
- Increase
- +$2.88
Weekly
- Before
- $1,442.31
- After
- $1,456.73
- Increase
- +$14.42
Bi-weekly
- Before
- $2,884.62
- After
- $2,913.46
- Increase
- +$28.85
Monthly
- Before
- $6,250.00
- After
- $6,312.50
- Increase
- +$62.50
Annual
- Before
- $75,000.00
- After
- $75,750.00
- Increase
- +$750.00
Actions
Copy the table, export CSV, share the URL, or reset the scenario.
Smart Insights
The 2026 GS raise trails inflation.
The 2026 GS base raise is only 1.0%. With inflation near 3.0%, this is a real pay cut unless you also receive a step increase, promotion, or special rate. See real-pay math
Nominal raise
+1.0%
Real raise after inflation
-1.9%
Your raise trails inflation in real terms.
Annual gain
$750.00
5-year upside
$3.8K
Benchmark framing based on Mercer 2024 salary survey language referenced in the PRD.
Negotiation Script Generator
Use this as your opener
Based on the new compensation level, my annual pay would move from $75,000.00 to $75,750.00. That is a +1.0% increase, or about $750.0 more per year. After adjusting for a 3.0% inflation assumption, the real raise is -1.9%. I would like to discuss how this increase aligns with my scope, performance, and current market benchmarks.
Visual Charts
See the raise, not just the number
Charts are lazy-loaded to protect performance, but they still update in real time as you edit the scenario.
Printed on May 20, 2026 from https://payraisecalculator.net
GS Step & Grade Calculator
Model GS steps, promotions, locality, and special rates
Start with your current grade, step, locality area, and the pay action expected next year.
Current Position
Your GS profile
Next Year Change
Choose the pay action
What is locality pay? A geographic supplement added to base GS pay. In 2026, locality rates are frozen at 2025 levels, while the standard base raise is only 1.0%.
GS Raise Results
Within-grade step increase
GS-11 / Step 5 -> Step 6 in Washington-Baltimore locality (33.94%).
Current Base Pay
$69,107
With locality: $92,538
New Pay
$71,411
With locality: $95,623
Total Raise
+$3,085
Raise Percent
+3.3%
Monthly Gain
$257.08
Bi-weekly gain: $118.65
Step increase
A within-grade step increase beats the 2026 COLA.
A step increase around 3% is the best raise many GS employees can receive in 2026. Step increases are tied to satisfactory performance and waiting periods.
The 2026 standard GS raise is only 1.0% base pay with locality rates frozen. Step increases, promotions, and special law enforcement rates are the meaningful exceptions.
The 2026 Federal Pay Freeze: What 1% Really Means
With 2026 inflation at approximately 3.0%, the standard 1% GS raise delivers a real pay cut of about 2% in purchasing power.
| Year | Nominal Salary | Real Value (2026 $) | Real Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $75,000 | $75,000 | - |
| 2025 | $76,275 (+1.7%) | $74,052 | -$948 |
| 2026 | $77,038 (+1.0%) | $74,794 | -$206 |
| Cumulative | +$2,038 nominal | -$1,154 real | -1.5% real |
Over 2025-2026, a federal employee earning $75,000 gains $2,038 in nominal salary but loses $1,154 in real purchasing power. A within-grade step increase in 2026 can offset inflation and produce a small real gain.
GS Pay Scale
2025-2026 GS Pay Scale - Base Salary by Grade & Step
2025 base rates are shown below. Add 1.0% for the 2026 base raise, then apply locality pay.
| GS Grade | Step 1 | Step 3 | Step 5 | Step 7 | Step 10 | Typical Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $35,373 | $37,654 | $39,935 | $42,216 | $45,638 | Entry-level clerk, technician |
| GS-7 | $46,696 | $49,810 | $52,924 | $56,038 | $60,709 | Entry professional, analyst |
| GS-9 | $57,118 | $60,926 | $64,734 | $68,542 | $74,254 | Journeyman analyst, specialist |
| GS-11 | $69,107 | $73,715 | $80,323 | $84,931 | $91,843 | Full-performance specialist |
| GS-12 | $82,764 | $88,282 | $93,800 | $99,318 | $107,595 | Senior specialist, team lead |
| GS-13 | $98,496 | $105,062 | $111,628 | $118,194 | $128,043 | Supervisor, senior analyst |
| GS-14 | $116,393 | $124,153 | $131,913 | $139,673 | $151,313 | Manager, senior executive |
| GS-15 | $136,908 | $146,034 | $155,160 | $164,286 | $177,975 | Senior executive, SES feeder |
Source: OPM 2025 Pay Tables. Use the GS Calculator above to add your locality pay.
Locality Pay
2025-2026 GS Locality Pay Rates - Major Areas
2026 locality rates are frozen at 2025 levels, so only the 1.0% base pay increase applies.
| Locality Pay Area | 2025 Rate | 2026 Rate | GS-12 Step 1 with Locality |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA | 44.67% | 44.67% frozen | $119,726 |
| Washington-Baltimore-Arlington | 33.94% | 33.94% frozen | $110,837 |
| New York-Newark | 36.47% | 36.47% frozen | $112,928 |
| Seattle-Tacoma, WA | 30.18% | 30.18% frozen | $107,731 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA | 33.67% | 33.67% frozen | $110,613 |
| Boston-Worcester-Providence | 31.67% | 31.67% frozen | $108,965 |
| Chicago-Naperville | 29.79% | 29.79% frozen | $107,408 |
| Denver-Aurora, CO | 29.88% | 29.88% frozen | $107,483 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth, TX | 26.87% | 26.87% frozen | $104,946 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs, GA | 23.45% | 23.45% frozen | $102,112 |
| Rest of United States | 16.06% | 16.06% frozen | $96,030 |
Law Enforcement Special Rates
2026 Federal Law Enforcement Pay Raise - Special Rates
Covered law enforcement categories receive approximately 3.8% total through the 1.0% base raise plus an additional special-rate adjustment.
| Agency / Category | Included Roles |
|---|---|
| Customs & Border Protection (CBP) | Border Patrol Agents, CBP Officers, Air & Marine Interdiction Agents |
| Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) | Criminal Investigators, Detention & Deportation Officers, Technical Enforcement Officers |
| Secret Service | Uniformed Division, Special Agents, Technical Law Enforcement |
| Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) | Special Agents |
| Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) | DEA Agents |
| U.S. Marshals Service | U.S. Marshals Officers |
| Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) | Special Agents |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons | Correctional Officers |
| Federal Protective Service | FPS Officers |
| National Park Service | U.S. Park Police Officers |
Base pay increase
+1.0%
Special-rate supplement
+~2.8%
Total effective increase
~3.8%
Projected cap
$197,200
Source: OPM 2026 Special Rates.
Step Timeline
GS Within-Grade Step Increase Timeline
Step increases are predictable but slow down as you move up the step ladder.
| Step Range | Waiting Period | Cumulative Years to Reach |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 -> Step 2 | 1 year | Year 1 |
| Step 2 -> Step 3 | 1 year | Year 2 |
| Step 3 -> Step 4 | 1 year | Year 3 |
| Step 4 -> Step 5 | 2 years | Year 5 |
| Step 5 -> Step 6 | 2 years | Year 7 |
| Step 6 -> Step 7 | 2 years | Year 9 |
| Step 7 -> Step 8 | 3 years | Year 12 |
| Step 8 -> Step 9 | 3 years | Year 15 |
| Step 9 -> Step 10 | 3 years | Year 18 |
It normally takes 18 years to advance from Step 1 to Step 10 within a single GS grade. Source: OPM General Schedule.
Top Cities
Highest-Paying Cities for Federal Employees - 2026
Alaska and Bay Area cities dominate because high locality supplements lift federal pay.
| City | Average Annual Salary | vs. National Avg ($106,462) |
|---|---|---|
| Nome, AK | $132,066 | +24.1% |
| Berkeley, CA | $130,357 | +22.5% |
| Sitka, AK | $128,253 | +20.5% |
| San Francisco, CA | $125,376 | +17.8% |
| Palo Alto, CA | $125,294 | +17.7% |
| Santa Clara, CA | $125,034 | +17.5% |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $124,950 | +17.4% |
| Livermore, CA | $124,879 | +17.4% |
| San Jose, CA | $124,773 | +17.2% |
| Kernville, CA | $124,616 | +17.1% |
| National Average | $106,462 | - |
Career Tradeoff
Federal vs. Private Sector: Is the Pay Worth It?
Federal pay is predictable and benefit-heavy. Private-sector pay is more volatile but has a higher ceiling.
Federal Employment (GS System)
Advantages
- Job security
- FERS pension plus TSP match
- FEHB health insurance
- Automatic step increases
- Predictable GS ladder
Disadvantages
- 2026 COLA only 1.0%
- Locality pay frozen
- Statutory salary ceiling
- Political exposure
- Limited bonuses for most GS roles
Private Sector (Market-Based)
Advantages
- Higher salary ceiling
- Performance bonuses
- Equity or RSU in some fields
- Market-rate raises
- Faster advancement
Disadvantages
- Less job security
- Variable benefits
- No defined benefit pension
- Income volatility
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers for GS raises, step increases, locality pay, 2026 COLA, and law enforcement special rates.
What is the federal employee pay raise for 2026?
Most General Schedule employees receive a 1.0% base pay increase in January 2026, with locality pay rates frozen at 2025 levels. Covered law enforcement personnel receive approximately 3.8% total through OPM special salary rates.
What is a GS step increase?
A within-grade step increase is an automatic raise worth approximately 3% of salary for satisfactory performance. Each GS grade has 10 steps. Steps 1-3 advance annually, steps 4-6 advance every two years, and steps 7-9 advance every three years.
How much is the average federal employee salary in 2026?
The national average federal employee salary is $106,462/year in the ZipRecruiter benchmark used on this page. The standardized GS pay structure means many full-time federal employees cluster in the GS-9 to GS-13 range.
What is locality pay for federal employees?
Locality pay is a geographic supplement added on top of base GS pay. Rates range from Rest of U.S. at 16.06% to San Jose-San Francisco at 44.67% in the reference table. For 2026, locality rates are frozen at 2025 levels.
How do I calculate my GS raise with locality pay?
Use Mode B above. Select your GS grade, step, locality pay area, and pay action. The calculator applies the new base pay, the locality multiplier, and then shows annual, monthly, and bi-weekly raise values.
Is the 2026 federal pay raise keeping up with inflation?
No. With inflation around 3.0%, the standard 1.0% GS base raise is a real pay cut of roughly 2% in purchasing power. A within-grade step increase or promotion is the main way to offset that loss.
Which federal law enforcement agencies get the 3.8% raise in 2026?
OPM expects coverage consultations to include CBP, ICE, Secret Service, FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals, ATF, Bureau of Prisons, Federal Protective Service, and National Park Service U.S. Park Police categories. Final coverage depends on OPM and agency implementation.
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