The CL 25 pay scale refers to a specific compensation level within the Judiciary Salary Plan (JSP), which governs the pay of employees in the United States federal courts. "CL" stands for "Court Level," indicating a particular grade or step within this specialized federal pay system.
Understanding the CL 25 Pay Scale
The CL 25 level defines a salary range for positions within the federal judiciary, with exact figures varying based on factors such as location (cost of living adjustments) and whether an employee is in a developmental or full-performance capacity. This structured pay system ensures consistency and fairness across various court roles.
For instance, a probation officer in Los Angeles at the CL25 level has specific salary ranges depending on their career progression:
CL 25 Pay Ranges for a Probation Officer (Los Angeles)
| Performance Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Developmental Range | $48,859 – $60,628 |
| Full Performance Range | $61,118 – $78,265 |
These ranges illustrate the progression in earning potential as an employee gains experience and meets the full requirements of their position. The developmental range applies to new hires or those still acquiring necessary skills, while the full performance range is for officers who have achieved full proficiency and responsibilities for the role.
Factors Influencing CL 25 Salaries
While the CL 25 designation provides a base range, several elements can influence an individual's exact salary within that scale:
- Location: Pay scales often include locality pay adjustments to account for differences in the cost of living across various geographic areas. A CL 25 position in a high-cost-of-living area like Los Angeles will typically have a higher pay range than the same position in a lower-cost area.
- Experience and Qualifications: Within a specific pay level, an employee's starting salary and progression can be influenced by their prior experience, educational background, and unique qualifications relevant to the role.
- Performance: While not always directly tied to annual step increases, performance can play a role in career progression, which may lead to higher pay levels over time.
The CL 25 pay scale is a vital component of the federal judiciary's compensation structure, ensuring competitive and standardized pay for its diverse workforce, from support staff to highly specialized professionals like probation officers.
