Federal Pay Setting Calculator
Work out your pay on promotion, reassignment, or a move between pay systems — two-step promotion rule, highest previous rate, and superior qualifications.
Free — no account, no sign-up
⚠ Unofficial Reference Tool — 2026 Pay Data
This calculator is for estimation and reference only. It does not constitute an official pay determination. Actual pay setting is performed by your agency's Human Resources Office (HRO) using official NFC/DCPAS systems. Special salary rates, pay retention, retained rates, and collective bargaining agreements may affect your actual pay. Always consult with your local Human Resources Office. This tool is for reference and estimation only.
Sources: OPM GS 2026 tables (eff. Jan 11, 2026) · DCPAS FWS schedules (235 schedules incl. $15 min-wage) · 83 DCPAS FWS special-rate tables · 5 CFR Part 531/532/536
Movement Type
FROM — Current Position
General Schedule (White-collar)
Current Rate: $69,954/yr · $33.52/hr · Rep rate (Step 4): $32.53/hr
TO — New Position
General Schedule (White-collar)
Step 1 (min): $74,678/yr · Step 10 (max): $97,087/yr · Rep rate (Step 4): $39.36/hr
Calculated Result
GS → GS — GS-9 Step 5 → GS-11
New Step
1
GS-11 Step 1
Annual Pay
$74,678
/year
Hourly Rate
$35.78
/hour (÷ 2087)
Pay Change
+$4,725
+6.8% · $2,863/biweekly
| Field | FROM (Current) | TO (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual | $69,954 | $74,678 |
| Hourly | $33.52 | $35.78 |
| Biweekly | $2,682 | $2,863 |
Existing payable rate (FROM)
GS-9 Step 5 @ 17.06% locality = $69,954/yr
Step A: GS rate + two within-grade increases (5 CFR 531.214(d)(3))
GS-9 Step 5 $59,759 → Step 7 $63,275 (base)
Step B: Payable rate for that rate — highest of locality or the FROM series' special rate
$74,070
Step C: Standard method — lowest GS-11 step in the TO position's highest applicable range ≥ $74,070
GS-11 Step 1 = $74,678/yr
Result: GS-11
GS-11 Step 1 @ 17.06% locality = $74,678/yr
Regulatory Authorities & Resources
⚠ Important Limitations:
• Special Salary Rates (SSR) — This tool includes 2026 OPM special rate tables. Enter your occupational series and agency above to apply SSRs automatically. Per 5 U.S.C. 5305, the highest applicable rate is used.
• FWS Special Rates — DCPAS special production-rate tables apply only at the installations they list (5 CFR 532.251). They cover the listed series and, where the table says so, leader (WL) and supervisory (WS) positions in that series. Uncheck the coverage box if your position is not at a covered installation.
• FWS action type — WG→WG (same pay plan) is a promotion or change to lower grade by grade; a move to a different pay plan (e.g. WG→WL) is a promotion when the new position's representative rate (step 2) is higher (5 CFR 532.401).
• Pay Retention (5 CFR Part 536) — If current pay exceeds the TO rate range maximum, pay retention rules apply and require HRO determination.
• Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) — BU positions may have negotiated pay rules that supersede standard regulations.
• Geographic Conversion Complexities — Cross-locality moves may require a two-step process (geographic conversion, then pay action).
• Non-foreign area differentials, COLA, hazard pay, EDP — These are not included in base pay calculations.
Always consult with your local Human Resources Office. This tool is for reference and estimation only.