A GG pay scale refers to a compensation structure for certain U.S. government employees that is generally identical to the widely used General Schedule (GS) pay scale. It categorizes positions into various grades and steps, determining an employee's salary based on factors like job complexity, qualifications, and location.
Understanding the GG Pay Scale
While officially known as "General Schedule," some agencies, particularly those with specific hiring authorities like the Department of Defense (DoD) or certain research organizations, may use "GG" (e.g., General Government) to denote their pay scales, which closely mirror or are directly aligned with the federal GS system. The core structure, pay rates, and progression are fundamentally the same as the GS scale.
Structure of the GG/GS Pay Scale
The GG/GS pay scale is a structured system designed to ensure fair and consistent compensation across a wide range of federal positions. It comprises:
- Grades (GG/GS-1 to GG/GS-15): These represent different levels of responsibility, complexity, and required qualifications. A higher grade typically indicates a more senior or specialized position.
- Steps (1 to 10 within each Grade): Each grade has ten steps, which allow for pay increases based on an employee's time in service and performance. Employees typically advance one step annually within their grade until they reach Step 10.
Position Levels and Corresponding Grades
The GG/GS pay scale correlates specific grade ranges with different levels of employment, from entry-level to senior management and highly specialized roles.
| Pay Grade Range | Position Level | Examples of Roles (General) |
|---|---|---|
| GG/GS-1 to GG/GS-7 | Entry-Level Positions | Administrative assistants, technicians, trainees, support staff |
| GG/GS-8 to GG/GS-12 | Mid-Level Positions | Analysts, program specialists, team leaders, experienced professionals |
| GG/GS-13 to GG/GS-15 | Top-Level Positions (Senior Managers, High-Level Technical Specialists, Physicians) | Senior advisors, division chiefs, principal engineers, medical officers |
How Pay is Determined
An employee's specific salary on the GG/GS scale is influenced by:
- Grade and Step: As detailed above, these are the primary determinants.
- Locality Pay: Recognizing that the cost of living varies across the United States, federal employees receive an additional locality pay percentage based on their work location. This ensures competitive salaries in high-cost areas.
- Special Rates: Certain occupations that face recruitment or retention challenges may qualify for special rates, which offer higher pay than the standard GG/GS rates for specific grades and locations.
The GG pay scale, being essentially synonymous with the General Schedule, provides a clear and standardized framework for compensation within the U.S. federal government, reflecting the diverse responsibilities and expertise required across its many agencies and departments.
