The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is responsible for setting the pay schedules for federal employees. The OPM pay schedule for 2024 has not yet been released, but it is expected to be similar to the 2023 pay schedule. The 2023 pay schedule was released in December 2022, and it included a 4.6% pay raise for most federal employees.
The OPM pay schedule is divided into 15 grades, with each grade having its own pay range. The pay range for each grade is determined by the employee’s locality and their step within the grade. Employees who have been in the same grade for a longer period of time will be at a higher step within the pay range.
Opm Payment Schedule 2024
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is responsible for setting the pay schedules for federal employees. The OPM pay schedule for 2024 has not yet been released, but it is expected to be similar to the 2023 pay schedule. The 2023 pay schedule was released in December 2022, and it included a 4.6% pay raise for most federal employees.
- 15 pay grades
- Pay range for each grade
- Locality-based pay
- Step increases within each grade
- 4.6% pay raise for 2023
- Expected similar pay raise for 2024
- No official release date for 2024 pay schedule
- Expected release in December 2023
- Retroactive pay for 2024
Once the 2024 OPM pay schedule is released, it will be made available on the OPM website. Federal employees can use the pay schedule to calculate their expected salary for 2024.
15 pay grades
The OPM pay schedule is divided into 15 grades, with each grade having its own pay range. The pay range for each grade is determined by the employee’s locality and their step within the grade.
The 15 pay grades are:
- GS-1
- GS-2
- GS-3
- GS-4
- GS-5
- GS-6
- GS-7
- GS-8
- GS-9
- GS-10
- GS-11
- GS-12
- GS-13
- GS-14
- GS-15
Employees who are just starting out in their federal career will typically be at the bottom of the pay range for their grade. As they gain experience and seniority, they will move up the pay range.
The pay range for each grade is also determined by the employee’s locality. The locality pay tables are divided into four zones: Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, and Zone 4. Zone 1 is the most expensive zone, and Zone 4 is the least expensive zone. The pay range for each grade is higher in Zone 1 than it is in Zone 4.
Pay range for each grade
The pay range for each grade is determined by the employee’s locality and their step within the grade.
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Step 1
Employees who are just starting out in their federal career will typically be at Step 1 of their grade’s pay range.
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Step 2
Employees who have been in the same grade for at least one year will typically be at Step 2 of their grade’s pay range.
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Step 3
Employees who have been in the same grade for at least two years will typically be at Step 3 of their grade’s pay range.
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Step 4
Employees who have been in the same grade for at least three years will typically be at Step 4 of their grade’s pay range.
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Step 5
Employees who have been in the same grade for at least four years will typically be at Step 5 of their grade’s pay range.
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Step 6
Employees who have been in the same grade for at least five years will typically be at Step 6 of their grade’s pay range.
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Step 7
Employees who have been in the same grade for at least six years will typically be at Step 7 of their grade’s pay range.
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Step 8
Employees who have been in the same grade for at least seven years will typically be at Step 8 of their grade’s pay range.
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Step 9
Employees who have been in the same grade for at least eight years will typically be at Step 9 of their grade’s pay range.
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Step 10
Employees who have been in the same grade for at least nine years will typically be at Step 10 of their grade’s pay range.
The pay range for each grade is also determined by the employee’s locality. The locality pay tables are divided into four zones: Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, and Zone 4. Zone 1 is the most expensive zone, and Zone 4 is the least expensive zone. The pay range for each grade is higher in Zone 1 than it is in Zone 4.
Locality-based pay
The OPM pay schedule is locality-based, which means that the pay range for each grade is determined by the employee’s locality. The locality pay tables are divided into four zones: Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, and Zone 4. Zone 1 is the most expensive zone, and Zone 4 is the least expensive zone.
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Zone 1
Zone 1 includes the following areas: New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and San Diego.
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Zone 2
Zone 2 includes the following areas: Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Miami, and Dallas.
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Zone 3
Zone 3 includes the following areas: Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Denver, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Louisville, Nashville, Charlotte, and Raleigh.
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Zone 4
Zone 4 includes the following areas: All other areas not included in Zones 1, 2, or 3.
The pay range for each grade is higher in Zone 1 than it is in Zone 4. This is because the cost of living is higher in Zone 1 than it is in Zone 4. For example, the pay range for a GS-15 employee in Zone 1 is $124,258 to $162,000, while the pay range for a GS-15 employee in Zone 4 is $104,294 to $135,451.
Step increases within each grade
Employees who have been in the same grade for at least one year are eligible for a step increase. Step increases are automatic, and they are not based on performance. The amount of the step increase is determined by the employee’s grade and step.
The following table shows the step increases for each grade:
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | $19,354 | $20,140 | $20,926 | $21,712 | $22,522 | $23,332 | $24,168 | $25,004 | $25,840 | $26,690 |
| GS-2 | $20,684 | $21,492 | $22,300 | $23,108 | $23,938 | $24,768 | $25,620 | $26,472 | $27,336 | $28,200 |
| GS-3 | $22,153 | $22,983 | $23,813 | $24,643 | $25,495 | $26,347 | $27,221 | $28,095 | $28,981 | $29,867 |
| GS-4 | $23,769 | $24,619 | $25,469 | $26,319 | $27,191 | $28,063 | $28,957 | $29,851 | $30,767 | $31,683 |
| GS-5 | $25,545 | $26,415 | $27,285 | $28,155 | $29,047 | $29,939 | $30,853 | $31,767 | $32,693 | $33,619 |
| GS-6 | $27,484 | $28,376 | $29,268 | $30,160 | $31,074 | $31,988 | $32,924 | $33,860 | $34,808 | $35,756 |
| GS-7 | $29,591 | $30,505 | $31,419 | $32,333 | $33,269 | $34,205 | $35,163 | $36,121 | $37,091 | $38,061 |
| GS-8 | $31,875 | $32,811 | $33,747 | $34,683 | $35,639 | $36,595 | $37,573 | $38,551 | $39,541 | $40,531 |
| GS-9 | $34,347 | $35,303 | $36,259 | $37,215 | $38,193 | $39,171 | $40,171 | $41,171 | $42,183 | $43,195 |
| GS-10 | $37,020 | $37,998 | $38,976 | $39,954 | $40,954 | $41,954 | $42,966 | $43,978 | $44,990 | $46,014 |
| GS-11 | $40,004 | $41,002 | $42,000 | $43,010 | $44,020 | $45,030 | $46,052 | $47,074 | $48,096 | $49,118 |
| GS-12 | $43,309 | $44,331 | $45,353 | $46,375 | $47,397 | $48,419 | $49,449 | $50,479 | $51,509 | $52,539 |
| GS-13 | $46,953 | $47,999 | $49,045 | $50,091 | $51,137 | $52,183 | $53,229 | $54,275 | $55,321 | $56,367 |
| GS-14 | $51,039 | $52,107 | $53,175 | $54,243 | $55,323 | $56,403 | $57,483 | $58,563 | $59,643 | $60,723 |
| GS-15 | $55,604 | $56,696 | $57,788 | $58,880 | $59,994 | $61,108 | $62,222 | $63,336 | $64,450 | $65,564 |
Employees who are at the top of their grade’s pay range are not eligible for step increases. However, they may be eligible for a promotion to the next grade.
4.6% pay raise for 2023
The OPM pay schedule for 2023 included a 4.6% pay raise for most federal employees. The pay raise was effective as of January 1, 2023.
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The pay raise was the largest in 20 years.
The last time federal employees received a pay raise of 4.6% or more was in 2003.
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The pay raise was higher than the rate of inflation.
The inflation rate for 2022 was 7.5%, while the pay raise was 4.6%. This means that federal employees received a real pay increase in 2023.
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The pay raise was not evenly distributed across all grades.
Employees in the lower grades received a larger percentage pay raise than employees in the higher grades. For example, employees in grades GS-1 through GS-10 received a 4.6% pay raise, while employees in grades GS-11 and above received a 4.1% pay raise.
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The pay raise was retroactive to January 1, 2023.
This means that federal employees received back pay for the period of January 1, 2023 to the date that the pay raise was implemented.
The 4.6% pay raise for 2023 was a significant increase in pay for federal employees. The pay raise helped to offset the rising cost of living and improve the financial security of federal employees.
Expected similar pay raise for 2024
The OPM pay schedule for 2024 has not yet been released, but it is expected to include a similar pay raise to the 2023 pay schedule. This means that federal employees could see a pay raise of around 4.6% in 2024.
There are a few reasons why a similar pay raise is expected for 2024. First, the inflation rate is still relatively high. The inflation rate for 2022 was 7.5%, and it is expected to remain elevated in 2023 and 2024. A pay raise of 4.6% would help to offset the rising cost of living and ensure that federal employees maintain their purchasing power.
Second, the federal government is facing a budget surplus. The budget surplus is expected to be $1.3 trillion in 2023 and $1.1 trillion in 2024. This gives the government some flexibility to provide a pay raise for federal employees without having to cut other programs.
Finally, the Biden administration has made a commitment to increasing pay for federal employees. In his Executive Order on Ensuring Adequate Federal Compensation, President Biden directed OPM to “develop a plan to increase Federal employee pay in a manner that is consistent with the President’s commitment to a $15.00 per hour minimum wage and to raising the pay of Federal employees who are not currently earning a living wage.”
While a similar pay raise to the 2023 pay schedule is not guaranteed, it is certainly possible. The combination of high inflation, a budget surplus, and the Biden administration’s commitment to increasing pay for federal employees all suggest that a pay raise of around 4.6% is likely in 2024.
No official release date for 2024 pay schedule
The OPM pay schedule for 2024 has not yet been released. OPM typically releases the pay schedule for the following year in December. However, the 2024 pay schedule has not yet been released, and there is no official release date.
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OPM is still working on the 2024 pay schedule.
OPM is responsible for setting the pay schedules for federal employees. The process of developing a new pay schedule is complex and time-consuming. OPM must collect data on inflation, the cost of living, and the pay rates of comparable jobs in the private sector. OPM must also consult with employee unions and other stakeholders before finalizing the pay schedule.
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The release of the 2024 pay schedule may be delayed.
The release of the 2024 pay schedule may be delayed for a number of reasons. For example, the government shutdown in December 2022 and January 2023 may have delayed the process of developing the pay schedule. Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may also have caused delays.
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Federal employees should be prepared for a delay in the release of the 2024 pay schedule.
Federal employees should be prepared for the possibility that the 2024 pay schedule will not be released until after the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2023. If the pay schedule is not released until after the start of the new fiscal year, federal employees will not receive a pay raise until the pay schedule is released.
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Federal employees can check the OPM website for updates on the 2024 pay schedule.
OPM will post updates on the 2024 pay schedule on its website. Federal employees can check the OPM website regularly for the latest information.
The lack of an official release date for the 2024 pay schedule is frustrating for federal employees. However, OPM is still working on the pay schedule, and it is expected to be released soon. In the meantime, federal employees should be prepared for the possibility that the pay schedule will not be released until after the start of the new fiscal year.
Expected release in December 2023
The OPM pay schedule for 2024 is expected to be released in December 2023. This is based on the historical release date of the pay schedule. OPM typically releases the pay schedule for the following year in December. For example, the 2023 pay schedule was released in December 2022, and the 2022 pay schedule was released in December 2021.
There are a few reasons why the 2024 pay schedule is expected to be released in December 2023. First, OPM needs time to collect data on inflation, the cost of living, and the pay rates of comparable jobs in the private sector. This data is used to determine the pay raises for federal employees.
Second, OPM needs time to consult with employee unions and other stakeholders before finalizing the pay schedule. OPM wants to make sure that the pay schedule is fair and equitable for all federal employees.
Finally, OPM needs time to prepare and distribute the pay schedule to federal agencies. Federal agencies need time to implement the pay schedule and ensure that federal employees are paid correctly.
While the 2024 pay schedule is not guaranteed to be released in December 2023, it is the most likely release date. Federal employees should be prepared for the possibility that the pay schedule may be released earlier or later than December 2023.
Retroactive pay for 2024
The OPM pay schedule for 2024 will be retroactive to the first day of the fiscal year, which is October 1, 2023. This means that federal employees will receive back pay for the period of October 1, 2023 to the date that the pay schedule is released.
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Federal employees will receive a lump sum payment for the retroactive pay.
The lump sum payment will be included in the first paycheck that federal employees receive after the pay schedule is released.
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The retroactive pay will be subject to all applicable taxes and deductions.
This means that federal employees will not receive the full amount of the retroactive pay in their lump sum payment.
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Federal employees who are no longer employed by the federal government will still receive the retroactive pay.
The retroactive pay will be sent to the employee’s last known address.
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Federal employees who have questions about the retroactive pay should contact their human resources department.
The human resources department will be able to provide more information about the retroactive pay and how it will be paid.
The retroactive pay for 2024 is an important benefit for federal employees. The retroactive pay will help to offset the delay in the release of the pay schedule and ensure that federal employees receive the full amount of their pay raise.
FAQ
The following are some frequently asked questions about the OPM Pay Schedule for 2024:
Question 1: When will the 2024 pay schedule be released?
Answer: The 2024 pay schedule is expected to be released in December 2023.
Question 2: Will the 2024 pay schedule include a pay raise?
Answer: The 2024 pay schedule is expected to include a pay raise of around 4.6%.
Question 3: Will the pay raise be retroactive?
Answer: Yes, the pay raise will be retroactive to the first day of the fiscal year, which is October 1, 2023.
Question 4: How will the pay raise be paid?
Answer: Federal employees will receive a lump sum payment for the retroactive pay in their first paycheck after the pay schedule is released.
Question 5: What if I am no longer a federal employee when the pay schedule is released?
Answer: Federal employees who are no longer employed by the federal government will still receive the retroactive pay. The retroactive pay will be sent to the employee’s last known address.
Question 6: Who should I contact if I have questions about the 2024 pay schedule?
Answer: Federal employees who have questions about the 2024 pay schedule should contact their human resources department.
Question 7: What is the OPM website?
Answer: The OPM website is www.opm.gov.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the OPM Pay Schedule for 2024. For more information, please visit the OPM website.
In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for federal employees:
Tips
Here are a few tips for federal employees regarding the OPM Pay Schedule for 2024:
Tip 1: Check the OPM website regularly for updates on the pay schedule.
The OPM website will have the most up-to-date information on the release date of the pay schedule and the amount of the pay raise.
Tip 2: Contact your human resources department if you have any questions about the pay schedule.
Your human resources department will be able to provide you with more information about the pay schedule and how it will affect you.
Tip 3: Be prepared for a delay in the release of the pay schedule.
The pay schedule may not be released until after the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2023. If the pay schedule is not released until after the start of the new fiscal year, you will not receive a pay raise until the pay schedule is released.
Tip 4: Make sure that your contact information is up-to-date with your human resources department.
This will ensure that you receive the retroactive pay if you are no longer employed by the federal government when the pay schedule is released.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can stay informed about the OPM Pay Schedule for 2024 and ensure that you receive the full amount of your pay raise.
The OPM Pay Schedule for 2024 is an important benefit for federal employees. The pay schedule provides federal employees with a predictable and reliable source of income. The pay schedule also helps to ensure that federal employees are paid fairly for their work.
Conclusion
The OPM Pay Schedule for 2024 is expected to include a 4.6% pay raise for most federal employees. The pay raise is expected to be retroactive to the first day of the fiscal year, which is October 1, 2023. The pay schedule is expected to be released in December 2023.
The pay raise is a significant increase in pay for federal employees. The pay raise will help to offset the rising cost of living and improve the financial security of federal employees.
Federal employees should be prepared for the possibility that the pay schedule may be released later than December 2023. If the pay schedule is released later than December 2023, federal employees will not receive a pay raise until the pay schedule is released.
Federal employees can check the OPM website for updates on the pay schedule. Federal employees can also contact their human resources department if they have any questions about the pay schedule.
Closing Message:
The OPM Pay Schedule for 2024 is an important benefit for federal employees. The pay schedule provides federal employees with a predictable and reliable source of income. The pay schedule also helps to ensure that federal employees are paid fairly for their work.