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OPM.gov / Frequently Asked Questions / Employment FAQ / Federal Hiring
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Federal Hiring

Questions and answers

A General Schedule (GS) pay scale is one of many pay systems in the federal government. A GS pay grade is a rate of basic pay based on the specific level of work or range of difficulty, responsibility and qualifications. 

The GS pay schedule has 15 pay grades and 10 steps in each grade. A salary can vary within a pay grade depending on if you’re at step 1 (the starting salary) or step 10 (the maximum salary). If you’re new to the government, your pay will likely be set at the starting salary for the pay grade for which you are selected. 

Some federal jobs offer hourly wages. These jobs follow the Federal Wage System (FWS). 

Learn more about pay and leave in the federal government. 

How is pay set for employees new to the government. 

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