2026 federal pay raise
Compare official 2025 and 2026 GS rates while holding locality, grade, and step constant.
Choose the same locality, grade, and step shown on your records to compare official OPM rates.
What the 2026 adjustment means
- Rule snapshot
- Reviewed
- Primary sources
- OPM pay tables and January 2026 memo
- Schedule change
- 1% for unchanged locality, grade, and step
OPM says Executive Order 14368 provided a 1% across-the-board increase and kept the 2025 locality percentages in place. The published tables remain the source of truth for each rate.
The comparison holds table, grade, and step constant. It does not count a promotion, step increase, move, or special-rate change as part of the annual adjustment.
2026 federal pay raise FAQ
What was the federal GS pay raise for 2026?
Executive Order 14368 authorized a 1% General Schedule increase for January 2026 and kept 2025 locality percentages in place. OPM's published locality tables therefore show a 1% total increase for unchanged locality, grade, and step selections.
Why might my personal increase differ from 1%?
A promotion, within-grade increase, retained rate, special-rate change, pay-cap treatment, or duty-station move changes more than the annual schedule. This tool deliberately holds locality, grade, and step constant.
Does this compare take-home pay?
No. It compares published gross annual GS rates before taxes, retirement deductions, TSP contributions, insurance premiums, and other payroll deductions.
Does it cover every federal pay system?
No. Federal Wage System, LEO, Title 38, and position-specific special-rate schedules are separate.