How is pay set for employees new to the government?

If you have no previous civilian service in the Federal Government

A new General Schedule (GS) employee is entitled to have pay set at step 1 of the employee's grade. An agency may also opt to use the superior qualifications and special needs pay-setting authority. Under this authority, an agency may set pay up to step 10. An agency may use this authority based on the candidate's superior qualifications or a special need of the agency for the candidate's services. An agency must approve each determination to use the superior qualifications and special needs pay-setting authority prior to the candidate entering on duty.

Contact the employing agency for information about its policy.

#E# If you have previous civilian service in the Federal Government

A re-employed GS employee is entitled to have pay set at step 1 of the grade. An agency may use the maximum payable rate rule or the superior qualifications and special needs pay-setting authority to set pay up to step 10. Contact the employing agency for information about its policy.

How is pay set for an employee who isn't under the General Schedule?

Contact the employing agency for information on how pay is set for an employee who isn't under the General Schedule.