In 2026, federal employees on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale will see a 1% base pay raise, while locality pay rates remain unchanged. This update affects millions of federal workers across the U.S., ensuring modest income growth without altering geographic adjustments. Understanding how the increase works and its impact on total pay is crucial for budgeting and financial planning.
Who Receives the 2026 GS Raise
All federal employees covered under the GS system are eligible for the 1% base pay increase, effective January 1, 2026. Key points include:
- Applies to GS grades 1–15, with proportional increases based on current salary.
- Employees in high-cost locality areas (e.g., New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C.) do not receive additional locality adjustments, so total pay increase is limited to base pay.
- Workers in non-locality zones receive the full 1% increase on their total income.
Understanding Locality Pay and Its Impact
While the GS base pay increases, locality adjustments remain the same. This means:
- Employees in high-cost cities see only a minor rise in overall pay.
- The gap between base pay and total pay in expensive areas narrows slightly.
- Planning budgets requires factoring in the fixed locality rates alongside the new GS base pay.
Sample GS Pay Table (2026)
| GS Grade | 2025 Base Pay | 2026 Base Pay (1% Raise) | Locality Adjustment | Total 2026 Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | $20,300 | $20,503 | $2,500 | $23,003 |
| GS-7 | $45,200 | $45,652 | $5,000 | $50,652 |
| GS-12 | $78,000 | $78,780 | $10,000 | $88,780 |
| GS-15 | $120,000 | $121,200 | $15,000 | $136,200 |
This table demonstrates how base pay rises by 1% while locality rates remain fixed, giving employees clarity on expected earnings.
Effective Date and Payroll Processing
- The 1% GS raise is effective January 1, 2026.
- Adjusted salaries will appear in February 2026 paychecks.
- Payroll offices automatically apply the increase, but employees should:
- Check pay stubs to confirm the raise.
- Report discrepancies to HR or payroll offices promptly.
Tips for Federal Employees
- Review your paycheck each month after February to ensure proper application.
- Understand your locality rate to calculate total expected income.
- Plan your budget using the new GS base pay figures.
- Consult HR or OPM portals for any questions about grade-specific adjustments.
FAQs About the 2026 GS Raise
1. Who qualifies for the 1% GS increase?
All federal employees under the GS pay scale, grades 1–15, effective January 1, 2026.
2. Does locality pay increase as well?
No, locality rates remain unchanged in 2026.
3. When will I see the new pay reflected?
The raise appears in February 2026 paychecks.
4. How is total pay calculated for high-cost areas?
Total pay = 2026 base pay + fixed locality adjustment.
5. What should I do if my paycheck doesn’t reflect the raise?
Contact your agency HR office immediately for corrections.
Conclusion
The 2026 GS pay update provides a 1% base pay increase to federal employees while keeping locality rates steady. Understanding your new base pay, combined with unchanged locality adjustments, helps you plan your finances, avoid surprises, and ensure the raise is correctly applied. Always verify paychecks and consult HR or the OPM portal for official guidance.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. GS pay rates, locality adjustments, and payroll implementation are determined by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Employees should verify information with official OPM or agency HR resources.