FEDERAL PAY GUIDE

GS vs GG Pay Scale

GS and GG positions can use similar grade and step structures, but they are not automatically governed by the same personnel rules. Learn how GS and GG pay compare, when their salary rates may match, and why agency-specific authority matters for GG employees.

GS vs. GG Pay Scale: What's the Difference?

The General Schedule (GS) and GG pay plans can look very similar. A federal vacancy might be advertised as GS-12 while another appears as GG-12, and in some cases the salary ranges may even match.

However, GS and GG should not automatically be treated as the same pay system.

The General Schedule is the Governmentwide classification and pay system covering most civilian white-collar federal employees. GG is a pay-plan designation used for certain positions with grades similar to the General Schedule, often under excepted-service or other special personnel authorities.

The most important distinction is that a GG position can parallel GS grades and salaries without necessarily being governed by every statutory and regulatory rule that applies to GS employees.

GS vs. GG at a Glance

Feature GS GG
Meaning General Schedule Grades similar to General Schedule
Governmentwide GS system? Yes No
May use grades 1-15? Yes Yes, depending on the system
May use 10 steps? Yes Many GG positions do
Can salary rates match GS? Uses official GS rates Yes, in systems that parallel GS rates
Locality pay Applies under GS locality rules to covered employees Depends on governing authority
Step increase rules Governmentwide GS rules May depend on agency/system
Promotion rules GS pay-setting rules apply Depends on governing authority
Commonly seen in excepted service? GS positions can exist under different appointment authorities Yes, GG is frequently associated with excepted-service positions

What Is the GS Pay Scale?

The General Schedule is the primary classification and pay system for most civilian white-collar federal employees.

OPM administers Governmentwide GS classification standards, qualifications, pay structures and related human resources policies.

The General Schedule contains 15 grades, from GS-1 through GS-15. Each grade normally contains 10 steps.

A GS employee's salary is generally determined by:

What Is the GG Pay Scale?

GG is a federal pay-plan designation used for certain positions with grades similar to the General Schedule.

GG positions can use grade numbers and salary structures that closely resemble GS. For example, a federal agency may advertise positions as GG-9, GG-11, GG-12 or GG-13.

Some GG systems use salary rates that parallel the corresponding General Schedule rates.

However, GG is not simply another abbreviation for GS. The legal authority governing a GG position can differ from the statutory General Schedule system.

Why Do GS and GG Look So Similar?

Many GG personnel systems intentionally use a structure resembling the General Schedule.

As a result, both systems may display:

In some agencies, a GG employee's salary may correspond directly to the salary of a GS employee at the same numerical grade and step.

That similarity makes GS tables useful for understanding some GG salaries, but only when the agency's GG pay system actually uses or parallels those rates.

Are GS and GG Salaries the Same?

They can be, but they are not guaranteed to be identical.

If an agency establishes GG rates by reference to the General Schedule, a GG employee may receive the same basic or locality-adjusted salary as a corresponding GS employee.

For example, if a particular agency states that its GG-12 Step 1 position follows the regular GS salary schedule, the applicable rate may match GS-12 Step 1.

But the employee should verify the agency's actual salary schedule rather than assuming the rates match solely because the grade numbers are identical.

2026 GS Salary Structure

The official 2026 General Schedule incorporates a 1% General Schedule increase and contains 15 grades with 10 steps in each grade.

Examples from the 2026 GS base table include:

Grade Step 1 Base Pay Step 10 Base Pay
GS-5 $34,799 $45,239
GS-7 $43,106 $56,039
GS-9 $52,727 $68,549
GS-11 $63,795 $82,938
GS-12 $76,463 $99,404
GS-13 $90,925 $118,204
GS-14 $107,446 $139,684
GS-15 $126,384 $164,301

If a particular GG personnel system explicitly parallels the 2026 General Schedule, these GS rates can provide a useful reference. They should not automatically be presented as universal GG rates.

Does GG Have 15 Grades?

GG positions can use grade numbers similar to the GS-1 through GS-15 structure.

However, GG is used under different personnel authorities, so employees should confirm the grade structure applicable to their particular agency or program.

The presence of a grade such as GG-12 does not by itself establish that every rule governing GS-12 positions applies to that GG position.

Does GG Have 10 Steps?

Many GG positions use a 10-step structure similar to the General Schedule.

In those systems, an employee might be identified as:

However, employees should verify the structure of their particular personnel system. The existence of GS-like steps does not automatically mean that every GS within-grade increase rule applies.

Is GG-12 the Same as GS-12?

Not automatically.

A GG-12 position can have a salary range that matches or closely parallels GS-12, but the positions can still operate under different personnel authorities.

For salary comparison purposes, GG-12 and GS-12 may sometimes be closely aligned.

For appointment rights, classification, promotions, step increases, competitive status and other personnel matters, employees should not assume they are legally identical.

GS vs. GG Locality Pay

Locality pay is another area where the distinction matters.

GS Locality Pay

Most covered GS employees receive locality pay based on the locality pay area associated with their official worksite.

OPM publishes separate annual locality salary tables showing the payable rates for each GS grade and step.

GG Geographic Pay

Some GG systems provide locality-based compensation or use rates corresponding to GS locality schedules.

However, whether a GG employee receives a particular locality adjustment depends on the authority governing the position.

A GG employee should therefore confirm whether the agency's advertised salary already includes locality pay and which locality or geographic pay rules apply.

Example: GS and GG Salaries in the Same Location

Suppose a GS-12 employee and a GG-12 employee both work in the same locality pay area.

If the GG personnel system explicitly uses the same grade, step and locality rates as GS, their salaries could be identical at the same grade and step.

If the GG system uses a different pay-setting authority, special salary structure or agency-specific adjustment, their salaries could differ.

Location and matching grade numbers alone are therefore not enough to guarantee identical salaries.

GS vs. GG Step Increases

Regular GS employees can progress through 10 steps using the Governmentwide within-grade increase system.

Normal GS waiting periods are:

GS Advancement Waiting Period
Steps 1 → 2 52 weeks
Steps 2 → 3 52 weeks
Steps 3 → 4 52 weeks
Steps 4 → 5 104 weeks
Steps 5 → 6 104 weeks
Steps 6 → 7 104 weeks
Steps 7 → 8 156 weeks
Steps 8 → 9 156 weeks
Steps 9 → 10 156 weeks

A GG system may adopt or parallel this progression, but employees should not assume that these waiting periods automatically govern every GG position.

The agency's GG personnel rules determine the actual step progression requirements.

GS vs. GG Promotions

Covered GS employees promoted to a higher GS grade are subject to established GS pay-setting rules, including the two-step promotion rule where applicable.

For GG employees, promotion pay depends on the authority governing the position.

An agency may use rules similar to GS, but the standard GS two-step promotion rule should not automatically be applied to every GG employee without confirming the applicable agency policy.

GS vs. GG and the Excepted Service

One reason people encounter GG positions is the excepted service.

GG is frequently used for positions operating under excepted-service or other special personnel authorities.

This can affect more than salary. Appointment procedures, qualification standards, promotion practices and other personnel rules may differ from those applying to traditional GS positions.

However, a pay-plan code alone should not be used to determine every aspect of an employee's service status. Check the actual appointment authority and personnel documentation.

Competitive Service vs. Excepted Service

Pay plan and service type are related concepts but are not the same thing.

A federal job announcement can separately identify:

When comparing a GS vacancy with a GG vacancy, review all of these fields rather than looking only at salary.

What Types of Jobs Use GS?

GS covers the majority of civilian white-collar federal employees.

Examples include many positions in:

OPM administers the overall GS classification and pay structure on a Governmentwide basis.

What Types of Jobs Use GG?

GG is encountered in certain federal organizations and occupations operating under special personnel authorities.

It is commonly associated with some defense, intelligence, national-security and other excepted-service positions, although the exact use of GG depends on the agency and governing authority.

Applicants should therefore research the specific agency rather than assuming every GG vacancy operates under the same personnel system.

GG in Intelligence and National-Security Employment

GG terminology is often encountered when researching civilian intelligence and national-security careers.

Some organizations use GS-like graded structures while operating under personnel authorities different from the traditional General Schedule.

This is one reason GG salary ranges can look nearly identical to GS salary ranges even though other employment rules differ.

Agency-specific documentation is particularly important for these positions because personnel systems can change over time.

GS vs. GG Classification

GS positions are classified under Governmentwide classification standards and policies administered by OPM.

Agencies determine the grade of a GS position based on factors such as the difficulty and responsibility of the work and the qualifications required.

GG positions can use similar occupational and grade structures, but the applicable classification authority may differ.

Two positions can therefore have the same numerical grade and similar duties without necessarily being classified under the same legal system.

GS vs. GG Qualification Requirements

OPM qualification standards apply to many General Schedule occupations.

An agency operating an excepted-service GG system may use different or agency-specific qualification requirements when authorized.

For a particular vacancy, always review the stated requirements for:

Does GG Pay More Than GS?

Not necessarily.

A GG position may pay exactly the same as a comparable GS position if its salary structure parallels the General Schedule.

Another GG system may use different salary-setting authority or additional compensation provisions.

Whether GG or GS pays more therefore depends on the specific positions being compared.

Compare the actual advertised salaries rather than assuming one pay-plan code is inherently higher paying.

GS vs. GG Benefits

Pay plan alone does not necessarily determine the employee's entire federal benefits package.

Federal employees may be eligible for programs such as retirement, health insurance, life insurance, annual leave and sick leave depending on the terms of their appointment and applicable laws and regulations.

When comparing a GS and GG offer, review the vacancy announcement and agency information for the benefits applicable to each position.

GS vs. GG Career Progression

Career progression can differ significantly by position and agency.

A GS position may have promotion potential such as GS-7/9/11 or GS-9/11/12. Progression to a higher grade generally requires meeting applicable requirements and an appropriate personnel action.

A GG organization may operate a similar career ladder or may use agency-specific promotion and progression policies.

The vacancy announcement's promotion potential and agency career information are therefore more useful than assuming GS and GG careers progress identically.

Moving From GS to GG

A GS employee can move to a GG position if selected and eligible for the appointment.

However, an employee should not assume that a GS grade and step will automatically transfer unchanged.

The gaining agency establishes the employee's GG pay according to the authority governing the new position.

Before accepting an offer, confirm:

Moving From GG to GS

An employee may also move from a GG position into the General Schedule.

The gaining agency determines the GS rate under the applicable federal pay-setting rules.

A GG-12 Step 5 employee should not simply assume that a move to GS means automatic placement at GS-12 Step 5.

The actual personnel action and applicable pay-setting authority determine the new GS grade and step.

How to Compare a GS and GG Job Offer

If you have offers under both systems, compare more than the grade number.

Review:

Two positions advertised at the same numerical grade can have important differences beyond their starting salaries.

How to Read GS and GG Job Announcements

When reviewing a federal vacancy, pay attention to the Pay scale & grade field.

A listing such as:

GS 11 - 12

indicates that the position uses the General Schedule pay plan.

A listing such as:

GG 11 - 12

indicates a GG pay plan.

Then review the salary range, location, service type, appointment type, promotion potential and agency-specific information to understand how the position actually operates.

Can You Use a GS Pay Table for a GG Position?

Only when the GG personnel system or agency specifically establishes its rates by reference to the General Schedule or otherwise indicates that the GS table applies.

If so, the OPM GS table can be a useful salary reference.

If the agency uses a different GG salary structure, the agency's own pay table should be used instead.

Do not assume that every GG-13 Step 5 position automatically receives the same amount shown for GS-13 Step 5.

Common GS vs. GG Mistakes

Assuming GG Is Another Name for GS

GG positions can resemble GS positions, but GG is a separate pay-plan designation and may operate under different personnel authority.

Assuming Matching Grades Guarantee Matching Salaries

GG-12 and GS-12 can have matching salaries in some systems, but this must be verified.

Automatically Applying GS Locality Pay to GG

Some GG systems use GS locality rates, but the applicable authority must be checked.

Automatically Applying GS Step-Increase Rules

GS within-grade increase rules should not automatically be assumed to govern every GG position.

Automatically Applying the GS Two-Step Promotion Rule

GG promotion pay depends on the governing personnel authority. An agency may use similar rules, but this should be confirmed.

Comparing Only the Starting Salary

Appointment rights, promotion potential, career progression and agency-specific policies can also matter when comparing GS and GG positions.

GS vs. GG Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between GS and GG?

GS is the Governmentwide General Schedule classification and pay system. GG is a pay-plan designation used for certain positions with grades similar to GS, often under separate or excepted-service personnel authorities.

Is GG the same pay as GS?

It can be. Some GG systems parallel GS salary rates, but employees should verify the salary structure used by the specific agency.

Is GG-12 equivalent to GS-12?

A GG-12 salary may correspond to GS-12 in some systems, but the positions are not automatically identical for classification, appointment, promotion or other personnel purposes.

Does GG have 10 steps?

Many GG positions use a GS-like 10-step structure. The employee should verify the structure used by the particular agency and personnel system.

Does GG receive locality pay?

Some GG positions receive locality-based adjustments or use rates corresponding to GS locality schedules. Eligibility and calculation depend on the authority governing the position.

Is GG excepted service?

GG is commonly encountered in excepted-service employment, but the specific appointment and service status should be verified from the vacancy announcement or personnel record.

Does GG pay more than GS?

Not automatically. Some GG and GS salaries are identical at corresponding grades and steps, while other GG systems can use different pay-setting rules.

Can I move from GS to GG?

Yes, when eligible and selected. The gaining agency determines the employee's GG rate under the rules governing the new position.

Can I move from GG to GS?

Yes. The gaining agency sets the employee's GS pay under the applicable GS pay-setting rules. The employee's old GG step does not necessarily transfer directly to the same GS step.

Should I use the OPM GS table for GG pay?

Use it when the agency specifically states that its GG rates follow or correspond to the General Schedule. Otherwise, use the salary schedule provided by the agency administering the GG position.

Official GS and GG Pay Information

OPM publishes the official General Schedule base and locality salary tables and administers Governmentwide GS classification and pay policy.

For GG positions, employees and applicants should also consult the employing agency because the authority governing GG pay can vary by organization and personnel system.

When comparing GS and GG jobs, the most reliable approach is to use the current vacancy announcement, applicable salary schedule, official personnel documents and agency human resources guidance.