General Schedule (GS) Special Salary Rates

Definition

The General Schedule (GS) Special Salary Rates refer to the specific pay rates established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for certain occupations, primarily in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. These special rates are designed to attract and retain highly qualified professionals in key positions by offering competitive salaries. The GS Special Salary Rates typically exceed the traditional base rates for equivalent GS levels to ensure that the government can secure top talent.

Key Takeaways

1. General Schedule (GS) Special Salary Rates are higher pay rates established by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for specific occupations and locations where it is necessary to address recruitment and retention difficulties.
2. These special rates apply to federal employees working in specific job series, grade levels, and locations, ensuring competitive salaries to attract and retain skilled professionals within the VA and other federal agencies.
3. GS Special Salary Rates are subject to change over time and are reviewed regularly by OPM in coordination with employing agencies, considering factors like labor market conditions, agency staffing needs, and budget constraints.

Importance

The VA benefits term: General Schedule (GS) Special Salary Rates is important because it addresses salary disparities and ensures that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can attract and retain highly skilled and qualified employees.

GS Special Salary Rates are set above the standard rates for specific occupations, grades, or location.

This enables the VA to fill critical positions and offer competitive salaries when the standard GS rates are insufficient to compete with the private sector or other government agencies.

It also aids in reducing turnover rates and boosting morale, further enabling the VA to deliver quality services to veterans and their families.

Explanation

The General Schedule (GS) Special Salary Rates serve a critical purpose within the realm of VA benefits by addressing the competitive labor market issues faced by the federal government. This unique pay structure is designed to attract and retain top-notch talent and recognize the specialized skills and expertise that certain positions demand.

By implementing Special Salary Rates, the VA can ensure it offers competitive salaries aligned with those in the private sector, acknowledging the value of the professionals working within the organization. The GS Special Salary Rates play a significant role in achieving a skilled workforce in various fields, such as health care, technology, and engineering, in which talent might otherwise be lured away by higher-paying opportunities in the private sector.

This compensation strategy also helps to narrow the pay disparity between federal positions and their non-federal counterparts, ensuring the VA has access to professionals who will contribute to its overall mission. Consequently, veterans benefit from a higher quality of care and services, as the VA can boast a diverse and experienced staff capable of providing exceptional support.

Examples of General Schedule (GS) Special Salary Rates

The General Schedule (GS) Special Salary Rates are adjustments to the salary structure for certain federal employees, including those working at the Department of Veterans Affairs, to address challenges in recruitment, retention, and other compensation issues. Here are three real-world examples of GS Special Salary Rates applied to VA Benefits:

Registered Nurse (RN) Special Salary Rates: Due to the persistent high demand and rigorous qualification requirements for registered nurses, the Department of Veterans Affairs may offer competitive salary incentives through GS Special Salary Rates to RNs working at VA medical facilities. The competitive salary rates help recruit and retain high-quality nursing staff in the VA healthcare system.

Information Technology (IT) Specialists: The demand for skilled IT professionals often outpaces government pay scales, so to attract and keep IT specialists, the VA may provide GS special salary rates. This allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to compete with private-sector employers for experienced IT professionals who can maintain and improve crucial systems and infrastructure for the organization.

Research Scientists: Research scientists are critical to the work done at the Department of Veterans Affairs, as they conduct investigations and studies in various fields, such as medical, social, or engineering research. To attract highly qualified professionals, the VA may offer GS Special Salary Rates to research scientists that better align with the compensation offered in other research institutions or private sector industries.

FAQ on General Schedule (GS) Special Salary Rates

What are the General Schedule (GS) Special Salary Rates?

General Schedule (GS) Special Salary Rates are pay rates designed to provide a higher base pay for specific categories of federal employees in an effort to attract and retain talent in necessary or hard-to-fill occupations. These rates are applicable for certain locations and/or positions depending on the agency’s needs.

How are GS Special Salary Rates determined?

GS Special Salary Rates are determined by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and may be based on factors such as occupation, location, and level of difficulty in recruiting. OPM reviews special rate requests from agencies and makes decisions based upon the specific needs and circumstances of each case.

Is everyone eligible for GS Special Salary Rates?

No, not all federal employees are eligible for GS Special Salary Rates. Special Salary Rates are provided to specific occupations and locations that are experiencing difficulties in recruitment and retention. The employees must be in one of those qualifying positions or locations to be eligible for the special rates.

Do GS Special Salary Rates affect other pay benefits, like overtime or locality pay?

GS Special Salary Rates may affect other pay benefits. For instance, the overtime pay for employees receiving Special Salary Rates is calculated based on their adjusted basic pay, which considers the special rate. In terms of locality pay, employees already receiving a special rate will typically not also receive a separate locality adjustment, as the special rate is intended to address any recruitment and retention issues.

How often are GS Special Salary Rates updated or reviewed?

GS Special Salary Rates are periodically reviewed by the OPM, which assesses whether to increase, decrease, or discontinue the rates based on any changes in recruitment or retention trends. Additionally, agencies can submit special rate requests or modifications to the OPM for consideration when they believe a change is necessary.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• GS Pay Scale
• Locality Pay
• Pay Grade Adjustments
• Salary Step Increases
• Federal Wage System (FWS)

Sources for More Information

• U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• FedWeek
• Government Executive