The federal government has approved a 1% pay raise for employees under the General Schedule system in 2026. The General Schedule, commonly referred to as GS pay, applies to most white-collar federal workers across various agencies.
The adjustment affects base pay rates but does not include any changes to locality pay percentages for this year.
No Change to Locality Pay Rates
Locality pay is designed to account for differences in living costs across geographic areas. In 2026, while the base pay increases by 1%, locality rate percentages remain unchanged.
This means employees will see a modest increase in overall salary, but the regional pay structure remains consistent with prior levels.
How the General Schedule System Works
The General Schedule system includes 15 grades and 10 steps within each grade. Pay increases typically occur through annual adjustments or step increases based on tenure and performance.
The 1% increase applies to base salary tables across all GS grades, impacting employees nationwide.
Illustrative Impact of the 1% Raise
| GS Grade | Approx. 2025 Base Pay | 1% Increase | Estimated 2026 Base Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $31,000 | $310 | $31,310 |
| GS-9 | $49,000 | $490 | $49,490 |
| GS-12 | $72,000 | $720 | $72,720 |
| GS-15 | $120,000 | $1,200 | $121,200 |
This table provides a simplified example of how a 1% increase may affect annual base salaries. Actual pay depends on grade, step, and locality area.
Who Benefits From the 2026 Adjustment
The raise applies to most federal civilian employees under the General Schedule framework. This includes workers across departments and agencies such as those overseen by the Office of Personnel Management.
Military personnel and certain federal pay systems follow separate compensation structures and may not be covered under GS adjustments.
What Employees Should Expect in Their Paychecks
Employees will see the updated pay reflected in their regular salary once the new pay tables take effect in 2026. Payroll departments automatically adjust compensation based on official tables.
Although modest, the 1% increase provides incremental support amid inflation and ongoing economic pressures.
Conclusion
The 2026 Federal GS pay update brings a 1% increase in base salary while keeping locality pay rates unchanged. While the adjustment is modest, it ensures steady compensation growth for federal employees nationwide. Understanding how the GS system works helps employees better estimate their new annual earnings under the revised structure.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Official pay tables, grade classifications, and compensation adjustments are determined by federal authorities and may vary by agency or position. Employees should refer to official government resources for precise salary information.