Federal Gov't: Within Grade Step Increases and Lateral Positions

[Anonymous]

Does anyone do HR for the federal government? I’ve accepted a lateral position with another federal agency and thought that I’d receive a step increase (or two). But, was told by the new agency HR that there is going to be no step increase, thus, there’s no such OPM regulation on this. But, I strongly disagree because I’ve had a few friends/ colleagues that have taken lateral positions in the federal government (changing agencies) with a step and even 2 step increases.

[Anonymous]

I am not in HR, but my impression is that this is one of those things that are within the discretion of your agency. One agency might decide someone should be given a step increase in certain circumstances, but that does not mean you are entitled to one.

When I joined the feds I could easily have been given a step 4 or 5 (and I know others who were treated that way with my experience and job) but HR insisted I start as step 1 to save money.

[Anonymous]

Usually when it's lateral you keep the same step. But if you are moving up a grade, then you get two steps above the salary match for your current grade/step.

[Anonymous]

I think it's totally discretionary based on the agency.

I took a lateral move and got 3 steps. I took another later years later and got nothing. (Different agencies.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Usually when it's lateral you keep the same step. But if you are moving up a grade, then you get two steps above the salary match for your current grade/step.

This is the case IME ... there is no right to a step increase for a lateral move at the same grade, that's up to the receiving agency.

[Anonymous]

When I made a lateral transfer, I kept my grade and step. I did receive a grade increase 5 months later based on total time-in-grade.

[Anonymous]

A lateral is literally that-same grade, same step.

[Anonymous]

Bumping this thread - I am also wondering about a lateral transfer and step increases - would appreciate any anecdotes from people who have done it over the last few years.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

It's at discretion of the hiring agency and mainly, the hiring supervisor. If he/she is willing to get you the step increase, it can be done.

[Anonymous]

I did a lateral into my current job. They pulled me over as a lateral GS-13. However, I was not able to be promoted to a GS-14. They had to put out an announcement for a GS-14 down the road.

[Anonymous]

IME - you continue on at your same step and your step increase date is based on your original hire date. No step increases when you do a lateral (again, based on my experience0 not on my knowledge of OPM).

[Anonymous]

I am a Gs 13 and applied for a Gs 13/14 of which I have 7 months in my current gs13 position. If selected will I get a step increase or grade increase in 5 months to the Gs -14?

[Anonymous]

Have to negotiate it ahead of time.

[Anonymous]

I am looking to move to a different state that is offering a GS 7 with promotion potential to a 12. I am currently a GS 7 step 3. My current position maxes out as a 7. Would I be able to get a higher step for taking this new position?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a Gs 13 and applied for a Gs 13/14 of which I have 7 months in my current gs13 position. If selected will I get a step increase or grade increase in 5 months to the Gs -14?

At least at my agnecy, you would lateral to the same step and would be up for the grade increase after 1 full year in the new position. This is because you need a successful PMR in your current position to acquire the grade increase.