New SES Pay System Kicking In

Also starting January 11, a revised pay system for senior executive service members begins, with the abolition of the traditional six SES grades, along with the end of the traditional policy of giving SES members the same annual and locality-based raises that general schedule employees get. Instead, there will be a pay band that ranges from 120 percent of the GS 15, step 1 rate up to either level III or level II of the executive schedule, depending on whether the agency’s executive performance appraisal system has been certified as making meaningful distinctions. Total compensation including bonuses could range up to the rate of the Vice President’s pay, rather than executive schedule level I. As of January 11, an SES member’s rate of basic pay plus any applicable locality payment in effect immediately prior to January 11 will be combined to establish the individual’s new rate of basic pay. That rate may not be reduced for 12 months from that date. After that, an executive’s salary may be set anywhere in the applicable range, based on his or her performance and/or contributions to the agency’s mission.