FEDERAL PAY GUIDE
Law Enforcement GS Pay Scale
Federal law enforcement officers who meet OPM's LEO definition can be covered by special GS pay rules. Learn how the 2026 LEO special base rates for GS-3 through GS-10 work, how locality pay is calculated, and how LEAP and other pay provisions can affect total compensation.
2026 Law Enforcement GS Pay Scale
The federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) GS pay scale is a specialized pay structure for employees who meet the federal definition of a law enforcement officer for these pay provisions.
For 2026, covered LEOs at grades GS-3 through GS-10 receive special base rates that are higher than the regular General Schedule base rates at the same grades and steps.
Those special LEO base rates are important because they are used as the basis for computing locality payments for covered law enforcement officers.
At grades outside GS-3 through GS-10, the special LEO base-rate provision does not apply in the same way, and the LEO locality tables show rates matching those for other GS employees at those grades.
Who Qualifies for the LEO Pay Tables?
Not every federal employee who performs security, investigative, police, or enforcement-related work automatically qualifies for the special LEO salary tables.
OPM states that the LEO locality pay tables apply to employees who meet the definition of law enforcement officer in 5 U.S.C. 5541(3) and 5 CFR 550.103.
Therefore, an employee should not determine LEO pay eligibility based only on a job title such as "Officer," "Agent," "Investigator," or "Police."
The position's official classification and applicable statutory and regulatory coverage determine whether the LEO pay provisions apply.
2026 LEO Special Base Rates
The 2026 LEO special base schedule incorporates the 1% General Schedule increase and is effective January 2026.
The official special base rates for covered LEOs at GS-3 through GS-10 are:
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | $33,252 | $34,176 | $35,100 | $36,024 | $36,948 | $37,872 | $38,796 | $39,720 | $40,644 | $41,568 |
| GS-4 | $37,325 | $38,362 | $39,399 | $40,436 | $41,473 | $42,510 | $43,547 | $44,584 | $45,621 | $46,658 |
| GS-5 | $42,919 | $44,079 | $45,239 | $46,399 | $47,559 | $48,719 | $49,879 | $51,039 | $52,199 | $53,359 |
| GS-6 | $45,256 | $46,549 | $47,842 | $49,135 | $50,428 | $51,721 | $53,014 | $54,307 | $55,600 | $56,893 |
| GS-7 | $48,854 | $50,291 | $51,728 | $53,165 | $54,602 | $56,039 | $57,476 | $58,913 | $60,350 | $61,787 |
| GS-8 | $50,920 | $52,511 | $54,102 | $55,693 | $57,284 | $58,875 | $60,466 | $62,057 | $63,648 | $65,239 |
| GS-9 | $54,485 | $56,243 | $58,001 | $59,759 | $61,517 | $63,275 | $65,033 | $66,791 | $68,549 | $70,307 |
| GS-10 | $59,999 | $61,934 | $63,869 | $65,804 | $67,739 | $69,674 | $71,609 | $73,544 | $75,479 | $77,414 |
These figures are LEO special base rates. They are not the final locality-adjusted salaries for covered employees working in U.S. locality pay areas.
Why Are LEO Base Rates Higher?
The LEO pay structure provides enhanced base rates for covered law enforcement officers in grades GS-3 through GS-10.
The difference can be seen by comparing the regular 2026 GS base schedule with the LEO special base schedule.
| Grade / Step | Regular GS Base | LEO Special Base |
|---|---|---|
| GS-3 Step 1 | $27,708 | $33,252 |
| GS-5 Step 1 | $34,799 | $42,919 |
| GS-7 Step 1 | $43,106 | $48,854 |
| GS-9 Step 1 | $52,727 | $54,485 |
| GS-10 Step 1 | $58,064 | $59,999 |
The size of the difference varies by grade and step. Employees should use the official LEO schedule rather than estimating their LEO rate by applying a single percentage to ordinary GS base pay.
How LEO Locality Pay Works
Covered LEOs working in locality pay areas generally receive locality-adjusted salaries.
For grades GS-3 through GS-10, the important difference is that the locality payment is computed using the applicable LEO special base rate rather than the ordinary GS base rate.
A simplified way to understand the structure is:
LEO Special Base Rate + Applicable Locality Adjustment = LEO Locality Rate
For an actual salary, use the OPM LEO locality table because OPM publishes the official calculated amounts.
Example: 2026 Rest of U.S. LEO Pay
The 2026 Rest of U.S. locality payment is 17.06%. OPM's separate Rest of U.S. LEO table incorporates the special LEO base rates for GS-3 through GS-10.
| Grade | LEO Special Base Step 1 | Rest of U.S. LEO Step 1 |
|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | $33,252 | $38,925 |
| GS-4 | $37,325 | $43,693 |
| GS-5 | $42,919 | $50,241 |
| GS-6 | $45,256 | $52,977 |
| GS-7 | $48,854 | $57,188 |
| GS-8 | $50,920 | $59,606 |
| GS-9 | $54,485 | $63,780 |
| GS-10 | $59,999 | $70,235 |
This demonstrates why a covered LEO should not use only the nationwide LEO special base table when determining actual pay in a locality pay area.
LEO Pay Varies by Locality
Just like the regular General Schedule locality system, an LEO's payable rate can vary according to the employee's official worksite.
OPM publishes separate LEO tables for locality pay areas such as:
- Washington-Baltimore-Arlington
- New York-Newark
- Los Angeles-Long Beach
- San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland
- Houston-The Woodlands
- Dallas-Fort Worth
- Atlanta-Athens-Clarke County-Sandy Springs
- Rest of U.S.
Employees should select the LEO version of the applicable locality table when covered by the LEO pay provisions.
Example: Atlanta LEO Pay
For 2026, the Atlanta-Athens-Clarke County-Sandy Springs locality area has a locality payment of 23.79%.
OPM's 2026 Atlanta LEO table shows the following Step 1 rates:
| Grade | 2026 Atlanta LEO Step 1 |
|---|---|
| GS-3 | $41,163 |
| GS-4 | $46,205 |
| GS-5 | $53,129 |
| GS-6 | $56,022 |
| GS-7 | $60,476 |
| GS-8 | $63,034 |
| GS-9 | $67,447 |
| GS-10 | $74,273 |
The same LEO grade and step can therefore produce different payable salaries in different locality areas.
What Happens at GS-11 and Above?
The special LEO base rates shown in OPM's LEO base schedule apply specifically to GS-3 through GS-10.
OPM notes that LEO locality rates at other grades match the locality rates for other non-LEO General Schedule employees.
For example, on the 2026 Atlanta LEO table, the salary structure continues through GS-15, but the special LEO base-rate enhancement is specifically identified for GS-3 through GS-10.
This distinction is important when comparing a GS-10 LEO position with a GS-11 or higher position.
What About GS-1 and GS-2?
The special LEO base schedule begins at GS-3.
OPM notes that LEOs at GS-1 or GS-2 may sometimes be entitled to a higher special rate under a separate special-rate table, such as Special Rate Table 001M, when that rate exceeds the otherwise applicable locality rate.
Employees at these grades should therefore check both the applicable LEO/locality information and any special-rate schedule covering their position.
LEO Special Base Rates vs. OPM Special Rate Tables
The LEO special base-rate system should not be confused with OPM's separate Title 5 special-rate schedules.
The LEO special base rates at GS-3 through GS-10 are a specific statutory pay feature for covered law enforcement officers.
An employee can also potentially be covered by another special-rate schedule.
OPM states that an LEO whose applicable rate for a grade and step is below a higher special rate under 5 U.S.C. 5305 or a similar authority is entitled to the higher special rate.
What Is Law Enforcement Availability Pay?
Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), formally called availability pay, is a separate form of premium pay for eligible federal criminal investigators.
It should not be confused with the LEO special base-rate table.
OPM states that availability pay is fixed by law at 25% of the criminal investigator's rate of basic pay, subject to applicable premium-pay limitations.
It compensates qualifying criminal investigators for substantial amounts of unscheduled duty that they are required to perform or be available to perform because of the nature of their work.
Does Every Federal LEO Receive LEAP?
No.
LEO pay-table coverage and availability-pay eligibility are separate questions.
OPM limits availability-pay eligibility primarily to qualifying criminal investigators in the GS-1811 Criminal Investigation and GS-1812 Game Law Enforcement series, along with certain other specifically covered employees.
The employee must also satisfy the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Therefore, being covered by an LEO salary table does not automatically mean an employee receives 25% LEAP.
How LEAP Works
For an eligible criminal investigator, availability pay is generally calculated as:
Rate of Basic Pay × 25%
For example, if a qualifying investigator has an applicable rate of basic pay of $100,000, a simple annualized illustration would produce:
| Component | Illustrative Amount |
|---|---|
| Rate of Basic Pay | $100,000 |
| 25% Availability Pay | $25,000 |
| Illustrative Combined Amount | $125,000 |
This is only a simplified illustration. Actual payments are subject to federal premium-pay limitations and the employee must satisfy the eligibility requirements for availability pay.
LEAP's Substantial Hours Requirement
OPM states that a criminal investigator is eligible for availability pay only if the investigator meets the applicable substantial hours requirement.
In general, this requires an annual average of two or more hours of unscheduled duty per regular workday.
Employees and designated supervisory officials must also complete the required certifications concerning eligibility for availability pay.
LEAP Is Different From Ordinary Overtime
Availability pay is intended to compensate qualifying criminal investigators for specified unscheduled duty.
An investigator receiving availability pay cannot simply receive every other form of overtime or premium pay for the same unscheduled hours.
OPM has specific rules governing the relationship between availability pay, regularly scheduled overtime, unscheduled duty, administratively uncontrollable overtime, and other premium payments.
For an actual payroll determination, employees should rely on their agency's payroll and human resources guidance.
LEO Pay vs. Regular GS Pay
| Feature | Regular GS | Covered LEO |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | GS-1 through GS-15 | GS structure applies |
| Steps | 10 per grade | 10 per grade |
| Special base rates | Regular GS base schedule | Special LEO base rates at GS-3 through GS-10 |
| Locality pay | Based on applicable GS scheduled rate | At GS-3 through GS-10, computed using LEO special base rates |
| LEAP | Not a general GS payment | May apply to eligible criminal investigators |
| Separate LEO tables | No | OPM publishes LEO locality tables |
LEO Grades and Steps
Covered General Schedule law enforcement officers remain within the familiar GS grade-and-step structure.
Each grade has Steps 1 through 10.
An employee's grade represents the classified level of the position, while the step represents the employee's rate within that grade.
The special LEO pay rules do not create additional step numbers.
LEO Within-Grade Increases
Eligible GS employees can progress through the steps of their grade through within-grade increases.
The normal GS waiting periods are:
| Advancement | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Step 1 → 2 | 52 weeks |
| Step 2 → 3 | 52 weeks |
| Step 3 → 4 | 52 weeks |
| Step 4 → 5 | 104 weeks |
| Step 5 → 6 | 104 weeks |
| Step 6 → 7 | 104 weeks |
| Step 7 → 8 | 156 weeks |
| Step 8 → 9 | 156 weeks |
| Step 9 → 10 | 156 weeks |
An employee must also meet the applicable eligibility and performance requirements for a within-grade increase.
LEO Promotions
Covered GS law enforcement officers can also move to higher grades through promotions.
A promotion is different from a step increase. A step increase moves an employee within the same grade, while a promotion moves the employee to a higher grade.
When special LEO rates or other special rates are involved, the agency must apply the federal promotion pay-setting rules using the applicable pay schedules.
Employees should not determine an official promotion salary simply by adding a percentage to their current LEO salary.
LEO Pay Outside the United States
OPM also publishes a separate LEO schedule for areas outside the United States.
For 2026, the outside-U.S. LEO table incorporates the special base rates at GS-3 through GS-10 but shows no locality payment.
Other overseas allowances or differentials may be governed by separate authorities and should not be confused with GS locality pay.
Special Rates Can Override an LEO Table
An LEO should not assume that the LEO locality table always provides the highest applicable salary.
OPM specifically notes that when a covered employee's LEO rate is below an applicable special rate established under 5 U.S.C. 5305 or a similar legal authority, the employee is entitled to the higher special rate.
This is why occupational series, agency, location, grade, and special-rate coverage should also be checked.
How to Find Your 2026 LEO Salary
Use the following process to identify the correct rate:
- Confirm that your position meets the applicable federal LEO definition.
- Identify your GS grade.
- Identify your current step.
- Determine your official worksite.
- Identify the applicable OPM locality pay area.
- Open the LEO version of that locality table.
- Find your grade and step.
- Check whether a higher special-rate schedule applies.
- If you are a qualifying criminal investigator, determine separately whether LEAP applies.
This process is more reliable than using an ordinary GS calculator that does not account for LEO special base rates.
Example of Finding an LEO Salary
Suppose an employee is a covered LEO at GS-7 Step 1.
The nationwide 2026 LEO special base rate is $48,854.
If the employee works in the Rest of U.S. locality pay area, the 2026 OPM LEO table shows $57,188 at GS-7 Step 1.
If the employee instead works in the Atlanta locality area, the 2026 Atlanta LEO table shows $60,476.
The employee's official worksite therefore matters even though the grade and step remain unchanged.
Do All Federal Police Officers Use the LEO Table?
No.
A job title alone does not establish eligibility.
The federal definition used for the LEO pay tables is specific. Some employees performing security or enforcement-related duties may be covered by different pay provisions.
Employees should confirm their coverage through their official personnel documents and agency human resources office.
Do All Criminal Investigators Receive the LEO Special Base Rate?
Coverage depends on whether the employee meets the applicable LEO definition and other requirements.
Criminal investigators may also have separate compensation considerations, including availability pay when eligible.
For an actual position, the employee's official occupational series, appointment, grade, worksite, and pay authority should be checked.
LEO Pay and the GS Pay Cap
Higher-grade locality salaries can be affected by statutory pay limitations.
For example, some 2026 locality tables cap high GS-15 rates at the applicable level IV Executive Schedule rate.
Premium pay, including availability pay, is also subject to applicable premium-pay limitations.
As a result, simply adding every theoretical pay component together may overstate the amount an employee can actually receive.
Common Law Enforcement GS Pay Mistakes
Using the Regular GS Table Instead of the LEO Table
Covered LEOs at GS-3 through GS-10 have special base rates. The correct LEO locality table should be used.
Assuming Every Law Enforcement Job Qualifies
Eligibility is based on the applicable statutory and regulatory definition, not merely the employee's job title.
Adding LEAP to Every LEO Salary
Availability pay is limited to qualifying criminal investigators and certain other specifically covered employees. It is not a universal 25% bonus for every LEO.
Ignoring Locality Pay
The nationwide LEO special base table is not necessarily the employee's final payable salary.
Applying Locality Pay to the Ordinary GS Base Rate
For covered LEOs at GS-3 through GS-10, OPM uses the special LEO base rates as the basis for locality payments.
Ignoring Higher Special Rates
A separate OPM special rate can sometimes exceed the LEO rate. When applicable, the higher rate may control.
Assuming LEO Special Base Rates Continue Above GS-10
The special LEO base schedule applies at GS-3 through GS-10. OPM states that LEO locality rates at other grades match those of non-LEO employees.
Law Enforcement GS Pay Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LEO GS pay scale?
It is the General Schedule pay structure as modified by special pay provisions for covered federal law enforcement officers. OPM provides special base rates for LEOs at GS-3 through GS-10 and publishes separate LEO locality tables.
Are LEOs paid more than regular GS employees?
Covered LEOs at GS-3 through GS-10 have special base rates that exceed the regular GS base rates. Actual differences in payable salary depend on grade, step, locality, and any other applicable pay authority.
What is the 2026 LEO pay raise?
The 2026 LEO special base schedule incorporates the 1% General Schedule increase. OPM's 2026 LEO locality tables also identify the applicable locality payment and total increase for each area.
Does LEO pay include locality pay?
Covered LEOs in locality pay areas generally receive locality-adjusted rates. At GS-3 through GS-10, the locality calculation uses the special LEO base rates.
What grades receive LEO special base rates?
OPM's special LEO base schedule covers GS-3 through GS-10.
What happens at GS-11?
The special LEO base-rate enhancement does not continue in the same manner above GS-10. OPM states that LEO locality rates at other grades match the rates for non-LEO employees.
Is LEAP included in the LEO salary table?
No. Law Enforcement Availability Pay is a separate form of premium pay for qualifying criminal investigators and certain other covered employees.
How much is LEAP?
For an eligible criminal investigator, availability pay is fixed by law at 25% of the employee's rate of basic pay, subject to applicable pay limitations.
Does every LEO receive 25% LEAP?
No. Availability pay has separate eligibility requirements and is not provided to every employee covered by an LEO salary table.
Where can I find my official 2026 LEO salary?
Use OPM's 2026 Law Enforcement Officer salary-table directory and select the table for your applicable locality pay area. Then locate your grade and step and check whether another higher special rate applies.
Official OPM Law Enforcement Pay Information
OPM publishes separate annual Law Enforcement Officer salary tables, including the nationwide LEO special base schedule and LEO locality tables.
For an individual employee, the correct salary depends on LEO coverage, grade, step, official worksite, locality area, special-rate eligibility, and any separately applicable premium pay such as availability pay.
Employees should use their official personnel records and agency human resources office for final individual pay determinations.