The Federal Pay System Is Designed to Lag—and the Data Prove It
A decade of data shows federal pay raises usually trail the Employment Cost Index and inflation, revealing how the pay system is structured to lag the broader labor market.
Stay updated on the latest federal pay raise news, including annual General Schedule (GS) pay adjustments, proposed increases, locality pay changes, and policy decisions that shape federal employee salaries. Explore analysis of White House and Congressional proposals, OPM guidance, economic factors influencing pay decisions, and historical trends in federal pay raises. Find clear explanations and timely updates to help federal employees understand how upcoming pay changes may affect their earnings and take‑home pay.
A decade of data shows federal pay raises usually trail the Employment Cost Index and inflation, revealing how the pay system is structured to lag the broader labor market.
Federal pay raises and COLAs both adjust income annually—see how they compare historically and impact federal employees and retirees.
Politics and your paycheck. What were the largest federal pay raises since 1970? Average salaries went from $101,610 in Sept 2023 to $109,879 by March.
OPM reveals which law enforcement roles qualify for the 3.8% 2026 federal pay raise—find out who gets more than the standard 1%.
LEOs win big in 2026 pay plan: 3.8% raise vs. just 1% for other others under GS as locality pay frozen.
In a surprise move, President Trump has authorized a pay raise for federal employees in 2026.
Federal pay hinges on one letter. Trump’s 2026 version could surprise—or disappoint.
Pay parity is likely to be an argument for a higher federal pay raise in 2026 as the annual pay raise process unfolds.
Legislation has been introduced to give federal employees a 4.3% pay raise in 2026.
What were the biggest events of 2024 for federal employees?