Understanding Grade 16 Salary in the Federal Government

Overview

The federal government of the United States has established a General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which outlines the salary ranges for different job classifications. Within this pay scale, Grade 16 represents a managerial or professional level with significant responsibilities and expertise.

The salary for Grade 16 varies depending on factors such as locality and step within the grade. The basic pay scale for Grade 16, Step 1, is established annually by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Salary Ranges

The GS pay scale is divided into 15 grades, with Grade 16 being one of the highest non-supervisory levels. Within each grade, there are 10 steps, representing increasing levels of experience and seniority.

The base salary for Grade 16, Step 1, as of 2023, is $115,452. The salary range for Grade 16 extends up to Step 10, with a maximum salary of $150,096.

Locality Adjustments

The federal government adjusts salaries for Grade 16 and other GS grades based on locality. This is to account for differences in the cost of living in different regions of the country.

The locality adjustment is determined by comparing the cost of living in a particular area to the cost of living in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The locality adjustment can range from 0% to over 30%.

Additional Compensation

In addition to base salary, Grade 16 employees may be eligible for additional compensation, including:

• Performance bonuses
• Overtime pay
• Hazard pay
• Special pay for certain occupations

Career Advancement

Grade 16 is typically a terminal grade for non-supervisory positions within the federal government. However, employees may advance to higher levels through promotion to supervisory or managerial positions.

Advancement opportunities may depend on factors such as job performance, qualifications, and availability of higher-level positions.

Grade 16 Salary