Overview
- The raise takes effect in the first full pay period that begins on or after January 1, 2026.
- The order applies the entire increase to basic pay with no changes to locality rates for next year.
- OPM Director Scott Kupor was directed to assess an additional 2.8% increase for select federal law enforcement to align with the military’s 3.8% raise.
- The 1% adjustment is smaller than the 2% average increase finalized for 2025 and is described as the smallest annual change since 2021.
- Congress has not moved to override the executive order, though appropriations legislation could still change pay outcomes.