The Department of Defense Civilian Pay Raise in 2024
Civilian employees of the Department of Defense (DoD) are set to receive an important pay raise. This increase reflects the value of their contributions to national security.
Key Aspects of the 2024 Pay Raise
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Overall Increase: The average pay raise for DoD civilian employees will be 5.2%. This consists of a general base pay increase of 4.7% and an additional average increase of 0.5% in locality pay.
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Effective Date: The pay raise will take effect on the first day of the first applicable pay period starting on or after January 1, 2024. Many employees can expect to see this increase in mid-January.
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Impact on the Workforce: This pay raise is the largest base pay increase in almost 40 years. It reflects the value of civil servants and the commitment to attracting and retaining skilled personnel.
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Locality Pay Adjustments: Alongside the general increase, locality pay adjustments will be made. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has created four new locality pay areas for 2024 and expanded several others, ensuring fair compensation in high-cost living areas.
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Beyond the Numbers: The pay increase is vital for morale and competitiveness. It acknowledges the hard work of DoD civilian employees and helps their standard of living keep pace with inflation and economic changes.
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Salary Cap: For some higher General Schedule (GS) grades, the salary cap will be \$191,900 in 2024, following the rate for level IV of the Executive Schedule.
This pay raise is a recognition of the essential role that DoD civilian employees play in supporting military operations and national security. Their expertise in fields such as engineering, intelligence, cybersecurity, healthcare, and administration is critical for the DoD's success.
