2026 Pay Plan Preview: Raises, Boosts, and More

September 25, 2025

Most GS employees are slated for a 1.0% across-the-board base raise in 2026 with no locality increase.

OPM is also developing separate, larger special-rate adjustments for certain law-enforcement positions.

All changes kick in with the first full pay period on/after Jan 1, 2026.

What’s changing

  • Base pay: +1% for most civilian feds, locality frozen at 2025 levels.

  • Law enforcement: Select categories may receive special salary rates above 1% (details via OPM/agency tables).

  • Timing: Effective your first full January 2026 pay period.

How it hits your paycheck

Your gross will likely rise about 1%, but net pay is where the story is written.

Taxes, FEHB premiums, and your TSP election will decide whether you feel any lift.

If you’re in a covered law-enforcement series, watch for special-rate tables and pay-cap notes from OPM and your agency.

TSP: set the number so the raise doesn’t vanish

Think in per-paycheck targets now, then adjust when IRS publishes 2026 limits in the fall.

Math you can use (illustrative, adjust when 2026 limits post):

  • To target $24,500 regular across 26 pays → set about $942 per pay.

  • Age 50+ aiming for $32,500 total (regular + catch-up) → about $1,250 per pay.

  • Over the $145k threshold? Plan for those catch-ups as Roth (after-tax).

If cash flow is tight in January, front-load a little less and step up your percentage after Open Season once you know your exact FEHB premium.

Expect new premiums to post in mid-October. Subsequently, Open Season runs from the second Monday in November through the second Monday in December.

New premiums start with your first full January pay, so model a +3% to +8% premium scenario now to keep your TSP percentage intact.

Do this this week

  • Check your category. If you may be covered by special law-enforcement rates, monitor OPM/agency updates.

  • Set (or reset) your TSP %. Use the per-pay math above. Earmark cash if your 2026 catch-up will be Roth.

  • Calendar FEHB dates. Re-run your paycheck model when premiums publish in October so you don’t under-save in January.

Best,
—FWR