Salary changes can have a significant impact on the financial security and career planning of millions of federal employees. In order to keep wages competitive with market conditions, the 2025 OPM Salary Tables include a 1.7% base pay increase in addition to an average 0.3% locality adjustment. This planned adjustment reflects a dedication to keeping elite talent in the public sector by attempting to strike a balance between inflationary pressures and government budgetary constraints.
Key Adjustments in the 2025 OPM Pay Scale
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Pay Increase | 1.7% |
| Average Locality Pay | 0.3% |
| Total Pay Raise | 2.0% |
| Highest Locality Rate | Washington-Baltimore-Arlington: 33.94% |
| Lowest Locality Rate | Rest of U.S.: 17.06% |
| Special Pay Rates | Available for high-demand roles |
How Regional Cost Differences Are Reflected in Locality Pay
Locality pay keeps federal salaries competitive in an economy where living expenses, housing costs, and transportation costs vary greatly. Among the areas with the biggest adjustments are Houston, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., which aid federal employees in adjusting to the growing expense of urban living.
- Washington-Baltimore-Arlington: 33.94%
- San Francisco-Oakland: 31.25%
- Houston-The Woodlands: 25.00%
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale: 23.50%
- Rest of U.S.: 17.06%
Notable Shifts and Federal Pay Trends
- GS Employees: The 1.7% pay raise applies uniformly across all General Schedule employees.
- Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs): LEOs receive additional pay adjustments to reflect the demanding nature of their roles.
- Special Pay Categories: Employees in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity and healthcare benefit from higher pay under specialized rate tables.
Why Federal Employees Should Care About This Pay Adjustment
More than two million federal employees—from senior GS-15 officials to entry-level GS-1 employees—are impacted by these updates. In line with government spending priorities and economic realities, the structured raises are intended to improve workforce retention and draw in qualified professionals. The sustainability of government operations depends on maintaining competitive federal compensation in a labor market where the private sector continues to entice talent with high salaries.
A Look at Recent Federal Pay Increases
Political, economic, and budgetary factors have caused fluctuations in the trajectory of federal pay increases. In comparison to previous years, the 2025 increase of 2.0% represents a more moderate adjustment that strikes a balance between the need for competitive wages and economic constraints.
| Year | Pay Increase |
| 2024 | 5.2% |
| 2023 | 4.1% |
| 2022 | 2.7% |
| 2021 | 1.0% |
Prospects for the Future: Will Federal Pay Continue?
Lawmakers and advocates are still pushing for larger increases; in 2025, there are plans for a 4.5% increase that are being discussed in policy discussions. However, the final adjustment of 2.0% is the result of budgetary restraints and fiscal responsibility. This raise guarantees that federal salaries remain in line with inflation and economic trends, even though it is small in comparison to previous increases.
Calculating Your Federal Salary for 2025
If you’re a federal employee or planning to join the public sector, understanding your salary is critical. Here’s how to calculate your pay under the 2025 structure:
- Find Your GS Grade and Step – Locate your current GS classification.
- Check the 2025 Pay Table – Identify your base pay according to the latest figures.
- Add Your Locality Adjustment – Apply the appropriate percentage based on your region.
- Consider Special Rates – If you’re in a specialized role, check for additional pay boosts.
FAQs About the 2025 OPM Salary Tables
1. What is the base pay increase for 2025?
The standard increase is 1.7% across all GS levels.
2. How does locality pay vary?
Locality adjustments range from 17.06% to 33.94%, depending on the cost of living in specific regions.
3. Where can I access the full pay tables?
The official tables are available at OPM.gov.
4. Who benefits from special rate tables?
Employees in specialized, high-demand positions such as cybersecurity, law enforcement, and healthcare.
5. What is the highest-paid locality area?
The Washington-Baltimore-Arlington area has the highest locality pay adjustment at 33.94%.