2026 Federal & GS Pay Raise – As of December 2025, the 2026 federal pay raise has been finalized by President Donald Trump through an executive order. Most General Schedule (GS) federal employees will receive a 1% across-the-board base pay increase, with no adjustment to locality pay rates, which remain frozen at 2025 levels. This results in an overall average pay raise of 1% for the majority of civilian federal workers.
Certain federal law enforcement officers (LEOs) in critical roles qualify for a higher adjustment, bringing their total increase to 3.8% to align with the military pay raise for 2026. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has published the official 2026 GS pay tables, confirming these changes effective in the first full pay period of January 2026 (typically January 11-24, with impact visible in subsequent paychecks).
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the 2026 federal pay raise, including how it’s calculated, who qualifies for exceptions, and what it means for your paycheck, based on official OPM guidance and executive orders.
Overview of the 2026 Federal Pay Raise
The 2026 adjustment marks the smallest civilian federal pay increase since 2021 (also 1%). It follows a 2% average raise in 2025 and contrasts with larger increases in prior years (e.g., 5.2% in 2024 and 4.6% in 2023).
- Base Pay Increase: 1% across-the-board for most GS employees.
- Locality Pay: Frozen at 2025 percentages—no additional boost.
- Overall Average Raise: 1% for standard GS positions.
- Effective Date: First applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
- Source: President’s Executive Order (December 2025) and OPM pay tables.
Without presidential intervention under the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act (FEPCA), the default formula would have triggered a much larger increase (approximately 3.3% base plus ~18.9% average locality adjustment). The alternative plan overrides this for fiscal responsibility.
OPM Breakdown: How the 2026 GS Pay Increase Works
The General Schedule (GS) covers about 1.5 million civilian federal employees in 15 grades (GS-1 to GS-15), each with 10 steps based on seniority and performance.
Key Components of GS Pay
- Base Pay: The nationwide GS table, increased by 1% in 2026.
- Locality Pay: Geographic adjustment (e.g., higher in high-cost areas like San Francisco or New York). Rates unchanged from 2025 (44 metropolitan areas + Alaska, Hawaii, and “Rest of U.S.”).
- Total Pay: Base pay × (1 + locality percentage).
Since locality rates are frozen, the effective raise is exactly 1% for most employees, regardless of location.
Special Exception for Law Enforcement Officers
To address recruitment and retention challenges, select LEOs receive an additional ~2.8% via OPM special rates, totaling 3.8%. This matches the 2026 military raise.
- OPM coordinates with agencies to determine eligible categories (e.g., certain GS-3 to GS-10 LEO positions).
- Special rate tables expected by end of 2025, effective January 2026.
Example Impact on Salaries (Approximate, Pre-Tax)
| GS Grade/Step (2025 Example) | 2025 Base Pay (Approx.) | 2026 Base Pay ( +1%) | Monthly Increase (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5, Step 5 | $40,000 | $40,400 | $33 |
| GS-9, Step 5 | $60,000 | $60,600 | $50 |
| GS-13, Step 5 | $100,000 | $101,000 | $83 |
Note: Actual pay includes locality adjustment (unchanged). Higher grades may hit pay caps (e.g., $197,200 in 2026 for some GS-15 positions, up 1% from 2025).
Why Only 1%? Context and History
The decision reflects budget priorities, with the initial 2026 budget proposal silent on a civilian raise (implying 0%). The final 1% was a surprise to many observers.
- Comparison to Recent Years:
- 2025: 2% average
- 2024: 5.2%
- 2023: 4.6%
- 2022: 2.7%
- 2021: 1%
Locality pay has historically added 0.3-1% to overall raises in recent years; its freeze reduces the effective boost.
What This Means for Federal Employees?
- Paycheck Impact: Modest increase; may not fully offset inflation or rising costs (e.g., FEHB premiums projected to rise ~10% in 2026).
- Benefits Tie-Ins: Higher base pay affects retirement calculations (High-3), TSP contributions, and life insurance coverage.
- Next Steps: Check OPM’s official 2026 GS pay tables for your locality. Use OPM’s salary calculator for personalized estimates.
For the most accurate details, visit OPM.gov or consult your agency’s HR. Congress could theoretically override via legislation, but this is unlikely.
This 1% raise prioritizes fiscal restraint while providing targeted support for law enforcement. Stay updated via official channels for any final adjustments to special rates.