GS Pay Scale 2026: Trump’s Federal Pay Raise Plan and Law Enforcement Increases

On August 28, 2025, President Trump issued an Alternative Pay Plan under 5 U.S.C. 5303(b) and 5 U.S.C. 5304a, announcing to Congress his decision regarding the January 2026 pay adjustments. The plan provides for a 1 percent base pay increase for employees under the General Schedule (GS) and certain other pay systems, while also freezing 2026 locality rates at 2025 levels.

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In addition, the President has directed the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to use special pay authorities to provide an additional 2.8 percent pay increase for certain law enforcement officials, aligning their raise with the planned 3.8 percent military pay increase.

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The following questions and answers provide more detailed information on how the GS pay scale 2026, the federal pay raise 2026, and the law enforcement special salary rates will work.

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How will OPM increase pay for covered law enforcement employees, as directed by the President?

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OPM will use its special salary rate authority under 5 U.S.C. 5305 and 5 CFR 530, subpart C to increase pay for specific law enforcement employees. This process will take place after OPM consults with affected agencies to determine which categories of personnel qualify for the additional increase.

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What are special salary rates?

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Special salary rates (SSRs) may be established by OPM to address significant recruitment or retention problems for groups or categories of employees under the GS and other pay systems.

These challenges can arise due to:

• Higher pay rates in the non-Federal sector
  
  
• Remote or difficult-to-staff locations
  
  
• Undesirable work or working conditions
  
  
• Other circumstances OPM considers appropriate
  
  

Special salary rates are set above normal locality pay rates and typically apply to specific geographic areas and/or job categories. They are treated as basic pay for most purposes, including retirement, overtime pay, premium pay, and any incentives calculated as a percentage of base pay.

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Which categories of law enforcement are included?

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OPM will consult with federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of the Interior to identify categories eligible for special salary rates.

Initial consultations are expected to include:

• Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Border Patrol Agents, CBP Officers, Air and Marine Interdiction Agents
  
  
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Criminal Investigators (Special Agents), Detention and Deportation Officers, Deportation Officers, Technical Enforcement Officers
  
  
• Secret Service: Uniformed Division, Special Agents, Technical Law Enforcement
  
  
• Federal Protective Service Officers
  
  
• Federal Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officers
  
  
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agents
  
  
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agents
  
  
• U.S. Marshals Service Officers
  
  
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agents
  
  National Park Service – U.S. Park Police Officers

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When will the 2026 GS pay tables be available?

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OPM anticipates releasing the special rate tables by the end of calendar year 2025, following consultations with agencies and approval of the final coverage list.

The effective date for both the GS base pay increase and the law enforcement special salary rates is January 11, 2026.

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Estimated 2026 GS Pay Scale Table

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Based on the proposed 2026 federal pay raise, FedSmith has released an estimated GS pay scale reflecting a 1% base pay increase. This table shows the projected General Schedule (GS) base pay rates with the adjustment applied.

It’s important to note that no locality pay increase has been recommended for 2026. Therefore, locality rates are expected to remain at 2025 levels, while only the base pay rises.

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Important Note: The 2026 GS pay table is not yet final. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will release the official tables after the pay raise is finalised. This will happen when an Executive Order is signed in December 2025. Adjustments to these estimates may occur at that time.

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Comparing 2025 and 2026 Salaries

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Here’s a look at how the 1% projected 2026 raise impacts GS base pay at Step 5 across several grades

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Even with a modest 1% increase, employees at higher grades such as GS-13 see over $1,000 more annually, while lower grades gain several hundred dollars.

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You might love to read- federal workers pay raise 2025

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Why are special salary rates being developed for certain law enforcement personnel?

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Certain frontline law enforcement personnel are critical to implementing the President’s priorities to secure the border, protect the nation, and keep American citizens safe.

Without additional pay adjustments, the Federal Government could struggle to recruit or retain the required number of officers in these high-need roles. Special salary rates are intended to make these positions more competitive and ensure staffing levels remain sufficient to enforce immigration laws and protect communities.

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Will all law enforcement employees in the above agencies receive a 3.8 percent pay increase?

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Not necessarily. The list above represents the starting point for OPM’s consultations. The final eligibility categories will be determined after further discussions with agencies.

Additionally, special salary rates are subject to salary caps under 5 U.S.C. 5305, which set Level IV of the Executive Schedule (projected at $197,200 in 2026) as the maximum. In certain higher grades or localities, this cap may reduce the effective increase received.

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What This Means for Federal Employees in 2026

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For most General Schedule (GS) employees, the 2026 pay adjustment will feel modest compared to rising living costs, since locality rates remain frozen. Employees in high-cost areas may experience tighter budgets, making financial planning more important.

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For covered law enforcement personnel, however, the introduction of special salary rates offers an opportunity to close the pay gap with private sector and state/local law enforcement jobs. This may help with retention and morale, especially in critical border security and national safety roles.

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If you are a federal employee:

• Review your retirement contributions – Ensure your TSP contributions and benefits planning take the new pay scales into account.
  
  
• Plan for locality freeze impact – Employees in metro areas should account for slower pay growth.
  
  
• Check eligibility – Law enforcement officers should monitor OPM updates to confirm whether their role is included in the final list of categories.

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What This Means for Your Retirement Planning?

‍While the 2026 GS pay scale shows only a modest increase, even small changes in your base pay can affect your retirement annuity, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions, and Social Security calculations. Understanding how these adjustments impact your long-term financial security is critical.

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At Federal Pension Advisors, we specialise in helping federal employees make sense of how pay raises, benefits, and retirement rules fit into a complete retirement plan. Whether you are 5 years from retirement or just starting to think about your options, we can guide you through:

• How pay raises affect your high-3 calculation
• Planning around COLA and inflation
• Maximising your FERS or CSRS pension benefits
• Integrating your TSP savings with federal benefits

Key Points on the GS Pay Scale 2026

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• Trump pay raise 2026: 1% GS base pay increase, with 2026 locality pay frozen at 2025 levels.
  
  
• Federal pay raise 2026: Law enforcement personnel may receive an additional 2.8% through special salary rates.
  
  
• Federal workers pay increase: OPM will use SSR authority to address recruitment and retention challenges.
  
  
• GS pay increase 2026 effective date: January 11, 2026.
  
  
• Pay caps apply: Special salary rates cannot exceed Level IV of the Executive Schedule.

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Final Thoughts

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The GS pay scale 2026 reflects a modest federal pay raise for most employees, while targeted GS pay increases will help strengthen law enforcement staffing in line with the President’s strategy. Federal workers should monitor OPM’s announcements in late 2025 for the release of the final GS pay tables 2026, including both base and special rates.

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FAQ's

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1. Will the GS pay scale increase in 2026?

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Yes. Under President Trump’s 2026 Alternative Pay Plan, General Schedule (GS) employees will receive a 1% base pay increase, while locality pay rates are frozen at 2025 levels. However, certain law enforcement personnel will see additional increases through special salary rates.

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2. What is the Department of Defense (DOD) pay raise for 2026?

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Military members under the Department of Defense are set to receive a 3.8% pay increase in 2026, matching the planned military pay raise announced alongside the GS adjustments.

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3. Is GS pay going up in 2025?

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Yes. GS pay was increased in 2025 with both a base pay raise and adjusted locality rates. For 2026, however, locality rates are frozen, and only a 1% base increase is applied.

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4. Is GS-13 a high rank in the federal government?

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Yes. GS-13 is considered a mid-to-senior level position in the federal pay scale. Employees at this level often hold supervisory, policy-making, or specialised expert roles, and it is regarded as a competitive and prestigious grade.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by the White House and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) as of August 28, 2025. Final GS pay tables for 2026 have not yet been published and may be subject to congressional action or further administrative guidance. Employees are advised to consult official OPM resources or their HR departments for the most up-to-date and personalised pay information.

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