OPM salary scale with locality pay for 2024

[Anonymous]

When does DC local pay include York PA?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Haha as 14/7 I'm also chuckling to myself that I finally make more than I did fresh out of law school in 2006. Pay compression does suck big time though! I haven't applied to some high stress 15s bc of it.

It is also the issue for SES. The gs15 with the pay cap perhaps better than stress of the SES for ~10k more.
But, few apply to SES, which is bad .

[Anonymous]

SES is a 15 with additional high stress hours paid at less than minimum wage.
Many take it to get the experience and then bail for big bucks contractor jobs in private.
Unfortunately, too many take it because of ego.
It is amazing and laughable that Congress is not addressing pay compression and can not see that.
And the SES mismanagement shows.

[Anonymous]

Does this years scale include Danger and Hardship differential for DC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does this years scale include Danger and Hardship differential for DC?

Ha! good point: we need hazard pay for the random shootings, carjackings, and homeless people yelling at you, since we're all returning to the office now

[Anonymous]

Another 15-6 supervisor so this puts me right under the cap by ~ 900 bucks. I’m happy for the raise, and it will make a difference for my family, especially since my spouse is a 14. I just worry because we are rounding the bend to having kids in college and no significant pay raises in sight because of the cap. How is government supposed to retain management like this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SES is a 15 with additional high stress hours paid at less than minimum wage.
Many take it to get the experience and then bail for big bucks contractor jobs in private.
Unfortunately, too many take it because of ego.
It is amazing and laughable that Congress is not addressing pay compression and can not see that.
And the SES mismanagement shows.

I am SES and I agree with much of this. Same applies for GS-15 positions. The pay for 15 and SES is not always worth it. I know so many talented people who are ALSO great at people leadership and they refuse to apply for GS-15 and SES. Many of them hate their managers and leaders. I tried using the argument "if people like you won't go for the 15 or SES, then we continue to get stuck with with narcissistic managers and leaders." My own argument is why I went the SES track. I got tired of mediocre managers and leaders making bad decisions and treating staff like crap. I don't fully regret becoming SES. I'm happy that people seem to like working under me and feel like they have psychological safety. I'm glad I can give what I rarely got coming up the ranks.

But DAMN! it's a lot of work and the compensation just doesn't match. Last week, my agency gave executives its ratings and bonuses. I appreciate that I was in tier 1 of bonuses. All execs in tier 1 (from role model performance assessment) got the same bonus percentage (8%). While I'm always appreciative of recognition, an 8% bonus is crappy given the work and results I got for the organization this year. I had a fantastic year professionally and I'm burnout too. and all I get is 8% for all the long hours and results. One of the results I achieved is saving my agency $130 million through several operational efficiencies. It's been three decades since anyone in our agency has gotten a result like this. It's being celebrated like crazy within the agency and that's just one of the 6 big outcomes from my work this year.

I know folks will say "but you work in public sector, what do you expect." I understand that argument. but I'll respond that law mandates SES bonuses be between 5 percent (minimum) and 20 percent (maximum). In the 90s and early 2000 many government executives got over 15% bonuses. Around 2006 the public and politicals started scrutinizing high bonuses for government employees. Now, the heads of agencies are reluctant to give a bonus higher than 10 percent even though the law says you can go as high as 20 percent. Yet, the demand for work and results are insane. For the record, I do NOT think government executives should be making $500k. but I do think $225-$300k salary range with a guaranteed 10-15% bonus IF you achieve outstanding results is reasonable. These positions are equivalent to VPs in private sector. So the pay should match the responsibility--even for public sector. I don't know why Americans want dumb people in management and leadership roles. You'd have better caliber executives and managers if they pay structure was a little better start at the GS-15 level.

I don't know how much longer I'll do this. I'm a young SES (41). When I reach age 50 I'll have 27 years of service. If I work this hard I might as well go to Deloitte or equivalent and grind it for a few years and get bonuses that match the results I'm delivering. It's sad because the public sector needs strong talent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SES is a 15 with additional high stress hours paid at less than minimum wage.
Many take it to get the experience and then bail for big bucks contractor jobs in private.
Unfortunately, too many take it because of ego.
It is amazing and laughable that Congress is not addressing pay compression and can not see that.
And the SES mismanagement shows.

I am SES and I agree with much of this. Same applies for GS-15 positions. The pay for 15 and SES is not always worth it. I know so many talented people who are ALSO great at people leadership and they refuse to apply for GS-15 and SES. Many of them hate their managers and leaders. I tried using the argument "if people like you won't go for the 15 or SES, then we continue to get stuck with with narcissistic managers and leaders." My own argument is why I went the SES track. I got tired of mediocre managers and leaders making bad decisions and treating staff like crap. I don't fully regret becoming SES. I'm happy that people seem to like working under me and feel like they have psychological safety. I'm glad I can give what I rarely got coming up the ranks.

But DAMN! it's a lot of work and the compensation just doesn't match. Last week, my agency gave executives its ratings and bonuses. I appreciate that I was in tier 1 of bonuses. All execs in tier 1 (from role model performance assessment) got the same bonus percentage (8%). While I'm always appreciative of recognition, an 8% bonus is crappy given the work and results I got for the organization this year. I had a fantastic year professionally and I'm burnout too. and all I get is 8% for all the long hours and results. One of the results I achieved is saving my agency $130 million through several operational efficiencies. It's been three decades since anyone in our agency has gotten a result like this. It's being celebrated like crazy within the agency and that's just one of the 6 big outcomes from my work this year.

I know folks will say "but you work in public sector, what do you expect." I understand that argument. but I'll respond that law mandates SES bonuses be between 5 percent (minimum) and 20 percent (maximum). In the 90s and early 2000 many government executives got over 15% bonuses. Around 2006 the public and politicals started scrutinizing high bonuses for government employees. Now, the heads of agencies are reluctant to give a bonus higher than 10 percent even though the law says you can go as high as 20 percent. Yet, the demand for work and results are insane. For the record, I do NOT think government executives should be making $500k. but I do think $225-$300k salary range with a guaranteed 10-15% bonus IF you achieve outstanding results is reasonable. These positions are equivalent to VPs in private sector. So the pay should match the responsibility--even for public sector. I don't know why Americans want dumb people in management and leadership roles. You'd have better caliber executives and managers if they pay structure was a little better start at the GS-15 level.

I don't know how much longer I'll do this. I'm a young SES (41). When I reach age 50 I'll have 27 years of service. If I work this hard I might as well go to Deloitte or equivalent and grind it for a few years and get bonuses that match the results I'm delivering. It's sad because the public sector needs strong talent.

Gosh, I'm sorry. Our top tier was 14 percent and a bump to our base. Can you get your agency to nominate you for a presidential rank award?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another 15-6 supervisor so this puts me right under the cap by ~ 900 bucks. I’m happy for the raise, and it will make a difference for my family, especially since my spouse is a 14. I just worry because we are rounding the bend to having kids in college and no significant pay raises in sight because of the cap. How is government supposed to retain management like this?

My manager was out this week so I did part of her job and man it sucks and I'm not even dealing with the timesheet and performance review stuff. There is so much administrative crap that's its just not worth it, I'll stay a 14.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SES is a 15 with additional high stress hours paid at less than minimum wage.
Many take it to get the experience and then bail for big bucks contractor jobs in private.
Unfortunately, too many take it because of ego.
It is amazing and laughable that Congress is not addressing pay compression and can not see that.
And the SES mismanagement shows.

I am SES and I agree with much of this. Same applies for GS-15 positions. The pay for 15 and SES is not always worth it. I know so many talented people who are ALSO great at people leadership and they refuse to apply for GS-15 and SES. Many of them hate their managers and leaders. I tried using the argument "if people like you won't go for the 15 or SES, then we continue to get stuck with with narcissistic managers and leaders." My own argument is why I went the SES track. I got tired of mediocre managers and leaders making bad decisions and treating staff like crap. I don't fully regret becoming SES. I'm happy that people seem to like working under me and feel like they have psychological safety. I'm glad I can give what I rarely got coming up the ranks.

But DAMN! it's a lot of work and the compensation just doesn't match. Last week, my agency gave executives its ratings and bonuses. I appreciate that I was in tier 1 of bonuses. All execs in tier 1 (from role model performance assessment) got the same bonus percentage (8%). While I'm always appreciative of recognition, an 8% bonus is crappy given the work and results I got for the organization this year. I had a fantastic year professionally and I'm burnout too. and all I get is 8% for all the long hours and results. One of the results I achieved is saving my agency $130 million through several operational efficiencies. It's been three decades since anyone in our agency has gotten a result like this. It's being celebrated like crazy within the agency and that's just one of the 6 big outcomes from my work this year.

I know folks will say "but you work in public sector, what do you expect." I understand that argument. but I'll respond that law mandates SES bonuses be between 5 percent (minimum) and 20 percent (maximum). In the 90s and early 2000 many government executives got over 15% bonuses. Around 2006 the public and politicals started scrutinizing high bonuses for government employees. Now, the heads of agencies are reluctant to give a bonus higher than 10 percent even though the law says you can go as high as 20 percent. Yet, the demand for work and results are insane. For the record, I do NOT think government executives should be making $500k. but I do think $225-$300k salary range with a guaranteed 10-15% bonus IF you achieve outstanding results is reasonable. These positions are equivalent to VPs in private sector. So the pay should match the responsibility--even for public sector. I don't know why Americans want dumb people in management and leadership roles. You'd have better caliber executives and managers if they pay structure was a little better start at the GS-15 level.

I don't know how much longer I'll do this. I'm a young SES (41). When I reach age 50 I'll have 27 years of service. If I work this hard I might as well go to Deloitte or equivalent and grind it for a few years and get bonuses that match the results I'm delivering. It's sad because the public sector needs strong talent.

Gosh, I'm sorry. Our top tier was 14 percent and a bump to our base. Can you get your agency to nominate you for a presidential rank award?

Our top tier SES was an 11% bonus, the pool is capped at 10% by law. You must have a lower percent of SES in the top tier than we do

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SES is a 15 with additional high stress hours paid at less than minimum wage.
Many take it to get the experience and then bail for big bucks contractor jobs in private.
Unfortunately, too many take it because of ego.
It is amazing and laughable that Congress is not addressing pay compression and can not see that.
And the SES mismanagement shows.

I am SES and I agree with much of this. Same applies for GS-15 positions. The pay for 15 and SES is not always worth it. I know so many talented people who are ALSO great at people leadership and they refuse to apply for GS-15 and SES. Many of them hate their managers and leaders. I tried using the argument "if people like you won't go for the 15 or SES, then we continue to get stuck with with narcissistic managers and leaders." My own argument is why I went the SES track. I got tired of mediocre managers and leaders making bad decisions and treating staff like crap. I don't fully regret becoming SES. I'm happy that people seem to like working under me and feel like they have psychological safety. I'm glad I can give what I rarely got coming up the ranks.

But DAMN! it's a lot of work and the compensation just doesn't match. Last week, my agency gave executives its ratings and bonuses. I appreciate that I was in tier 1 of bonuses. All execs in tier 1 (from role model performance assessment) got the same bonus percentage (8%). While I'm always appreciative of recognition, an 8% bonus is crappy given the work and results I got for the organization this year. I had a fantastic year professionally and I'm burnout too. and all I get is 8% for all the long hours and results. One of the results I achieved is saving my agency $130 million through several operational efficiencies. It's been three decades since anyone in our agency has gotten a result like this. It's being celebrated like crazy within the agency and that's just one of the 6 big outcomes from my work this year.

I know folks will say "but you work in public sector, what do you expect." I understand that argument. but I'll respond that law mandates SES bonuses be between 5 percent (minimum) and 20 percent (maximum). In the 90s and early 2000 many government executives got over 15% bonuses. Around 2006 the public and politicals started scrutinizing high bonuses for government employees. Now, the heads of agencies are reluctant to give a bonus higher than 10 percent even though the law says you can go as high as 20 percent. Yet, the demand for work and results are insane. For the record, I do NOT think government executives should be making $500k. but I do think $225-$300k salary range with a guaranteed 10-15% bonus IF you achieve outstanding results is reasonable. These positions are equivalent to VPs in private sector. So the pay should match the responsibility--even for public sector. I don't know why Americans want dumb people in management and leadership roles. You'd have better caliber executives and managers if they pay structure was a little better start at the GS-15 level.

I don't know how much longer I'll do this. I'm a young SES (41). When I reach age 50 I'll have 27 years of service. If I work this hard I might as well go to Deloitte or equivalent and grind it for a few years and get bonuses that match the results I'm delivering. It's sad because the public sector needs strong talent.

Gosh, I'm sorry. Our top tier was 14 percent and a bump to our base. Can you get your agency to nominate you for a presidential rank award?

Our top tier SES was an 11% bonus, the pool is capped at 10% by law. You must have a lower percent of SES in the top tier than we do

If the pool is 10 percent, why did the pp only get 8 percent in the top tier?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SES is a 15 with additional high stress hours paid at less than minimum wage.
Many take it to get the experience and then bail for big bucks contractor jobs in private.
Unfortunately, too many take it because of ego.
It is amazing and laughable that Congress is not addressing pay compression and can not see that.
And the SES mismanagement shows.

I am SES and I agree with much of this. Same applies for GS-15 positions. The pay for 15 and SES is not always worth it. I know so many talented people who are ALSO great at people leadership and they refuse to apply for GS-15 and SES. Many of them hate their managers and leaders. I tried using the argument "if people like you won't go for the 15 or SES, then we continue to get stuck with with narcissistic managers and leaders." My own argument is why I went the SES track. I got tired of mediocre managers and leaders making bad decisions and treating staff like crap. I don't fully regret becoming SES. I'm happy that people seem to like working under me and feel like they have psychological safety. I'm glad I can give what I rarely got coming up the ranks.

But DAMN! it's a lot of work and the compensation just doesn't match. Last week, my agency gave executives its ratings and bonuses. I appreciate that I was in tier 1 of bonuses. All execs in tier 1 (from role model performance assessment) got the same bonus percentage (8%). While I'm always appreciative of recognition, an 8% bonus is crappy given the work and results I got for the organization this year. I had a fantastic year professionally and I'm burnout too. and all I get is 8% for all the long hours and results. One of the results I achieved is saving my agency $130 million through several operational efficiencies. It's been three decades since anyone in our agency has gotten a result like this. It's being celebrated like crazy within the agency and that's just one of the 6 big outcomes from my work this year.

I know folks will say "but you work in public sector, what do you expect." I understand that argument. but I'll respond that law mandates SES bonuses be between 5 percent (minimum) and 20 percent (maximum). In the 90s and early 2000 many government executives got over 15% bonuses. Around 2006 the public and politicals started scrutinizing high bonuses for government employees. Now, the heads of agencies are reluctant to give a bonus higher than 10 percent even though the law says you can go as high as 20 percent. Yet, the demand for work and results are insane. For the record, I do NOT think government executives should be making $500k. but I do think $225-$300k salary range with a guaranteed 10-15% bonus IF you achieve outstanding results is reasonable. These positions are equivalent to VPs in private sector. So the pay should match the responsibility--even for public sector. I don't know why Americans want dumb people in management and leadership roles. You'd have better caliber executives and managers if they pay structure was a little better start at the GS-15 level.

I don't know how much longer I'll do this. I'm a young SES (41). When I reach age 50 I'll have 27 years of service. If I work this hard I might as well go to Deloitte or equivalent and grind it for a few years and get bonuses that match the results I'm delivering. It's sad because the public sector needs strong talent.

All of what you said is why I became a supervisor. I had a truly horrific fed supervisor and after that experience I said never again. Once we got her fired, I applied for the job and took it. I should have applied in the first place but didn’t want the stress. I run my division the way it should be ran and I’m a very happy supervisor. I have an amazing team now and it’s easy to hire competent people because they see how happy everyone is. There is a lot of stress being a fed supervisor but nothing compares to the stress of being under someone incompetent.

I would never apply for SES though. It would put me too far away from the people who make the sausage. Im good at managing people and I don’t want to manage supervisors. I don’t even care for more money; I’m happy with the amount I earn. Frankly I was happy as a 14 and only took a 15 so that I wouldn’t be managed by an idiot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SES is a 15 with additional high stress hours paid at less than minimum wage.
Many take it to get the experience and then bail for big bucks contractor jobs in private.
Unfortunately, too many take it because of ego.
It is amazing and laughable that Congress is not addressing pay compression and can not see that.
And the SES mismanagement shows.

I am SES and I agree with much of this. Same applies for GS-15 positions. The pay for 15 and SES is not always worth it. I know so many talented people who are ALSO great at people leadership and they refuse to apply for GS-15 and SES. Many of them hate their managers and leaders. I tried using the argument "if people like you won't go for the 15 or SES, then we continue to get stuck with with narcissistic managers and leaders." My own argument is why I went the SES track. I got tired of mediocre managers and leaders making bad decisions and treating staff like crap. I don't fully regret becoming SES. I'm happy that people seem to like working under me and feel like they have psychological safety. I'm glad I can give what I rarely got coming up the ranks.

But DAMN! it's a lot of work and the compensation just doesn't match. Last week, my agency gave executives its ratings and bonuses. I appreciate that I was in tier 1 of bonuses. All execs in tier 1 (from role model performance assessment) got the same bonus percentage (8%). While I'm always appreciative of recognition, an 8% bonus is crappy given the work and results I got for the organization this year. I had a fantastic year professionally and I'm burnout too. and all I get is 8% for all the long hours and results. One of the results I achieved is saving my agency $130 million through several operational efficiencies. It's been three decades since anyone in our agency has gotten a result like this. It's being celebrated like crazy within the agency and that's just one of the 6 big outcomes from my work this year.

I know folks will say "but you work in public sector, what do you expect." I understand that argument. but I'll respond that law mandates SES bonuses be between 5 percent (minimum) and 20 percent (maximum). In the 90s and early 2000 many government executives got over 15% bonuses. Around 2006 the public and politicals started scrutinizing high bonuses for government employees. Now, the heads of agencies are reluctant to give a bonus higher than 10 percent even though the law says you can go as high as 20 percent. Yet, the demand for work and results are insane. For the record, I do NOT think government executives should be making $500k. but I do think $225-$300k salary range with a guaranteed 10-15% bonus IF you achieve outstanding results is reasonable. These positions are equivalent to VPs in private sector. So the pay should match the responsibility--even for public sector. I don't know why Americans want dumb people in management and leadership roles. You'd have better caliber executives and managers if they pay structure was a little better start at the GS-15 level.

I don't know how much longer I'll do this. I'm a young SES (41). When I reach age 50 I'll have 27 years of service. If I work this hard I might as well go to Deloitte or equivalent and grind it for a few years and get bonuses that match the results I'm delivering. It's sad because the public sector needs strong talent.

Gosh, I'm sorry. Our top tier was 14 percent and a bump to our base. Can you get your agency to nominate you for a presidential rank award?

What level you are thinking for yourself at Deloitte? I doubt they would start you from anywhere above Sr manager level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SES is a 15 with additional high stress hours paid at less than minimum wage.
Many take it to get the experience and then bail for big bucks contractor jobs in private.
Unfortunately, too many take it because of ego.
It is amazing and laughable that Congress is not addressing pay compression and can not see that.
And the SES mismanagement shows.

I am SES and I agree with much of this. Same applies for GS-15 positions. The pay for 15 and SES is not always worth it. I know so many talented people who are ALSO great at people leadership and they refuse to apply for GS-15 and SES. Many of them hate their managers and leaders. I tried using the argument "if people like you won't go for the 15 or SES, then we continue to get stuck with with narcissistic managers and leaders." My own argument is why I went the SES track. I got tired of mediocre managers and leaders making bad decisions and treating staff like crap. I don't fully regret becoming SES. I'm happy that people seem to like working under me and feel like they have psychological safety. I'm glad I can give what I rarely got coming up the ranks.

But DAMN! it's a lot of work and the compensation just doesn't match. Last week, my agency gave executives its ratings and bonuses. I appreciate that I was in tier 1 of bonuses. All execs in tier 1 (from role model performance assessment) got the same bonus percentage (8%). While I'm always appreciative of recognition, an 8% bonus is crappy given the work and results I got for the organization this year. I had a fantastic year professionally and I'm burnout too. and all I get is 8% for all the long hours and results. One of the results I achieved is saving my agency $130 million through several operational efficiencies. It's been three decades since anyone in our agency has gotten a result like this. It's being celebrated like crazy within the agency and that's just one of the 6 big outcomes from my work this year.

I know folks will say "but you work in public sector, what do you expect." I understand that argument. but I'll respond that law mandates SES bonuses be between 5 percent (minimum) and 20 percent (maximum). In the 90s and early 2000 many government executives got over 15% bonuses. Around 2006 the public and politicals started scrutinizing high bonuses for government employees. Now, the heads of agencies are reluctant to give a bonus higher than 10 percent even though the law says you can go as high as 20 percent. Yet, the demand for work and results are insane. For the record, I do NOT think government executives should be making $500k. but I do think $225-$300k salary range with a guaranteed 10-15% bonus IF you achieve outstanding results is reasonable. These positions are equivalent to VPs in private sector. So the pay should match the responsibility--even for public sector. I don't know why Americans want dumb people in management and leadership roles. You'd have better caliber executives and managers if they pay structure was a little better start at the GS-15 level.

I don't know how much longer I'll do this. I'm a young SES (41). When I reach age 50 I'll have 27 years of service. If I work this hard I might as well go to Deloitte or equivalent and grind it for a few years and get bonuses that match the results I'm delivering. It's sad because the public sector needs strong talent.

Gosh, I'm sorry. Our top tier was 14 percent and a bump to our base. Can you get your agency to nominate you for a presidential rank award?

Our top tier SES was an 11% bonus, the pool is capped at 10% by law. You must have a lower percent of SES in the top tier than we do

If the pool is 10 percent, why did the pp only get 8 percent in the top tier?

The pool is capped at 10 percent, they can choose to do less

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SES is a 15 with additional high stress hours paid at less than minimum wage.
Many take it to get the experience and then bail for big bucks contractor jobs in private.
Unfortunately, too many take it because of ego.
It is amazing and laughable that Congress is not addressing pay compression and can not see that.
And the SES mismanagement shows.

I am SES and I agree with much of this. Same applies for GS-15 positions. The pay for 15 and SES is not always worth it. I know so many talented people who are ALSO great at people leadership and they refuse to apply for GS-15 and SES. Many of them hate their managers and leaders. I tried using the argument "if people like you won't go for the 15 or SES, then we continue to get stuck with with narcissistic managers and leaders." My own argument is why I went the SES track. I got tired of mediocre managers and leaders making bad decisions and treating staff like crap. I don't fully regret becoming SES. I'm happy that people seem to like working under me and feel like they have psychological safety. I'm glad I can give what I rarely got coming up the ranks.

But DAMN! it's a lot of work and the compensation just doesn't match. Last week, my agency gave executives its ratings and bonuses. I appreciate that I was in tier 1 of bonuses. All execs in tier 1 (from role model performance assessment) got the same bonus percentage (8%). While I'm always appreciative of recognition, an 8% bonus is crappy given the work and results I got for the organization this year. I had a fantastic year professionally and I'm burnout too. and all I get is 8% for all the long hours and results. One of the results I achieved is saving my agency $130 million through several operational efficiencies. It's been three decades since anyone in our agency has gotten a result like this. It's being celebrated like crazy within the agency and that's just one of the 6 big outcomes from my work this year.

I know folks will say "but you work in public sector, what do you expect." I understand that argument. but I'll respond that law mandates SES bonuses be between 5 percent (minimum) and 20 percent (maximum). In the 90s and early 2000 many government executives got over 15% bonuses. Around 2006 the public and politicals started scrutinizing high bonuses for government employees. Now, the heads of agencies are reluctant to give a bonus higher than 10 percent even though the law says you can go as high as 20 percent. Yet, the demand for work and results are insane. For the record, I do NOT think government executives should be making $500k. but I do think $225-$300k salary range with a guaranteed 10-15% bonus IF you achieve outstanding results is reasonable. These positions are equivalent to VPs in private sector. So the pay should match the responsibility--even for public sector. I don't know why Americans want dumb people in management and leadership roles. You'd have better caliber executives and managers if they pay structure was a little better start at the GS-15 level.

I don't know how much longer I'll do this. I'm a young SES (41). When I reach age 50 I'll have 27 years of service. If I work this hard I might as well go to Deloitte or equivalent and grind it for a few years and get bonuses that match the results I'm delivering. It's sad because the public sector needs strong talent.

Gosh, I'm sorry. Our top tier was 14 percent and a bump to our base. Can you get your agency to nominate you for a presidential rank award?

I'm op. Yeah I was expecting a minimum of 12 percent, but thought I could get as high as 15 percent given the accomplishments. I think why our top tier only got 8% is because too many of us got rated super high. there's only so much in the pot. also, we normally do three tiers. this year only two tiers. Tier 1 got 8% and tier 2 got 5%.

I thought about campaigning for a presidential rank award, but I prefer it to happen organically. Also, something else happened. I received two cash awards for special projects I worked on. both were for $3,500. BUT, I told my boss to just give me the plaque and to give the money to two GS-14s that helped me. The awards pot for staff was smaller than normal this year. So I didn't feel right taking $7k in special act awards when my people were really doing the heavy lifting. I also thought I'd be taken care of during SES bonus time. I guess if I had taken the two special act awards, I would have gotten 13% in award money this year. Despite being a little salty at my 8% I still would make the same decision on the special act awards given the award budget for staff vs SES.