Order sets 2026 pay schedules for federal workers and troops

The order sets 2026 basic-pay and locality-pay schedules for covered federal personnel and officials. Covered groups include civilian employees, senior executives, Veterans Health Administration staff, administrative law judges, judges, lawmakers, the Vice President, and other listed officials. Locality payments must follow Schedule 9, and the Office of Personnel Management director must implement them and publish notice. Some Veterans Health Administration schedules exclude certain incumbent medical, nursing, and physician-assistant positions. Other rates are capped by Executive Schedule limits. Executive Order 14132 is superseded when these schedules take effect. These schedules take effect on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

The order sets 2026 monthly basic pay for uniformed-service members and cadets or midshipmen. The schedule covers commissioned officers, warrant officers, enlisted members, reservists who meet the stated service-point rule, and military cadets or midshipmen. Certain officer rates are limited by Executive Schedule pay caps. Reservists qualify for the special prior-service rates only if they have at least 1,460 qualifying points. Special enlisted-leader rates and some enlisted rates depend on the stated rank and active-duty service conditions. Schedule 8 is effective January 1, 2026.

The Office of Personnel Management director must assess whether to provide the additional pay increase. The assessment covers certain federal civilian law enforcement personnel selected by the director. The possible increase may total up to 3.8%, including the increase provided under the civilian pay schedule. The director must coordinate with agencies and act consistently with 5 U.S.C. 5305. The order does not itself grant this additional increase.