Adjustments Of Certain Rates Of Pay
Summary
This executive order, signed by President Trump on December 18, 2025, adjusts the rates of pay for various federal employees, including those in statutory pay systems, the Senior Executive Service, and certain executive, legislative, and judicial positions. It also addresses pay for uniformed services and administrative law judges. The order supersedes Executive Order 14132 from December 23, 2024, which covered similar adjustments.
Expected Effects
The order will result in updated salary schedules for federal employees, effective on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2026, with the exception of Schedule 8, which is effective January 1, 2026. It directs the Office of Personnel Management to assess potential pay increases for certain federal civilian law enforcement personnel. Locality-based comparability payments will also be implemented according to an attached schedule.
Potential Benefits
- Increased pay for federal employees, potentially boosting morale and productivity.
- Adjustments to locality-based comparability payments, ensuring fair compensation based on geographic location.
- Potential additional pay increases for federal civilian law enforcement personnel, recognizing their service.
- Updated salary schedules for various government positions, reflecting current economic conditions.
- Provides clarity and structure for federal employee compensation.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased government spending on salaries, potentially impacting the federal budget.
- Potential for disparities in pay increases across different agencies and positions.
- The order does not address broader issues of income inequality or economic disparities outside the federal government.
- The assessment of pay increases for law enforcement personnel may lead to further debate and negotiation.
- The benefits are limited to federal employees and may not have a widespread impact on the general population.
Constitutional Alignment
The executive order is issued under the President's authority vested by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Article II of the Constitution grants the President executive power, which includes the ability to manage the executive branch and ensure laws are faithfully executed. The order references specific statutes (e.g., 5 U.S.C. 5302(1), 3 U.S.C. 104) that authorize the President to make adjustments to rates of pay.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).