On December 18, 2025, the White House issued an order concerning adjustments to the pay rates for federal employees across various statutory pay systems. This order outlines changes to the General Schedule, Foreign Service Schedule, and salaries for the Veterans Health Administration, as well as for senior executives, members of the uniformed services, and certain judicial officers. Each schedule attached to the order specifies the basic pay rates and will take effect on January 1, 2026. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management is tasked with further assessments regarding increases in federal law enforcement pay.

The order also addresses locality-based comparability payments designed to ensure that federal employees’ pay is competitive with that of local job markets. The implementation of these payments will be coordinated by the Director of Personnel Management and will involve publishing notices in the Federal Register. This series of adjustments aims to support federal personnel in maintaining equitable compensation, reflecting the costs of living and other factors pertinent to their work environments.

Moreover, the order supersedes a previous executive order regarding pay adjustments, indicating an ongoing effort to refine and update federal compensation structures. By outlining these changes and their effective dates, the administration seeks to provide clarity and support to both federal employees and the respective agencies responsible for implementation. The adjustments reflect a commitment to ensuring fair and updated pay for individuals serving in various capacities within the federal government.

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