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Guest · Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 7:34 am Post subject: GS Pay scale

I hope someone out there who knows about the GS Pay scale can help me out. Please tell me if how does the system function if one is hired in the middle, say at 5/7/9tlevel and the maximum performance level is 12/ 13. In this case, does your advance to the next grade keep in tune with the steps?

Anyone who can clarify this for me?

Lipton · Guest

Well, in the case of a 5/7/9 the person will start at 5 and have his/her performance review just after one year and if found okay advanced to level 7.The process will be repeated next year for level 9. The steps however, will depend on the terms and conditions you agreed upon when you joined the job.

Suppose you are offered a GS-12 position, you will need to negotiate this position against step 5. In this way you will not have to wait 10 years to touch the highest rung on the ladder. Not only that you will also have the opportunity to apply for a GS 13 position.

I hope this answered your question.

Guest · Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 7:35 am Post subject:

I think you are mistaken here – it takes a lot more than 10 years to reach the top on the GS Pay scale. As far as I know it, steps 1-4 takes about one year, then step 5-7 take 2 years, 8-10 – three years and so on. Check it out…

Darren · Guest

Let me see.. for one who starts in a GS 5 position, he/she becomes eligible for a GS 7 position in one year. Just after the completion of the next year you can again apply for a GS 9; you can repeat the process every year till your reach GS 15 position. It should take you 6 years to reach from a GS 5 to GS 15 position – if you are good at what you do.

As regards steps within the grade, this is applicable only for those employees who stagnate in one grade for too long. For example if you enter at GS 5 level and stopped, then your position can be advanced to GS 5 step 2 next year; after one year you could advance to the next step. This would be a very slow way of progress.

The Government is slowly reforming on certain redundant issues, and this automatic step issue is one of them. Things are slowly changing for the better.

The scale will not apply to anyone who has not worked for the Government before.

Fed Jobs · Guest

Your question reminded of a doubt that I have had myself for some time. I have seen positions open for public. Now if I had experience that would put me on an equivalent level of GS 5, could I apply for a GS 7 position? If not, why is it open for public when the same scales are not applicable here?

There is no barrier for applying for any position. You are free to apply for any position you think you qualify for. The salary will very much depend on your experience and discretion of the interviewing officials. Sharp negotiating skills can get you relocation expenses, recruitment bonuses and even student loans repayment. For further information why not check out http://www.opm.gov/employ/qualifications/index.asp

The best way to get the information you seek is to check out with the OPM publications (check your library for it); you can clarify all your doubts regarding how much experience is counted for what level there.

The advancement in government works the same way as in private sector. Where in Government you have levels 5/7/9 in the private sector you will have grade I, grade II, grade III (say, Accountant) of any position. The incumbent become eligible for the next promotion depending on his qualifications, experience and performance.

justme · Newbie Joined: 12 Sep 2006 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

I applied for a gs-5, was offered a gs-7 (step 2)... Now that I see the pay scale, I have had doubts...My friend said that I could ask for a higher pay rate. Just how does that work? And when should I mention this to the person in charge? Thank you for your help.

montanagourmet · Newbie Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 2 Career Advice: +0/-0

Your question does not make it clear what the target grade is for the position you are applying for. If the job is advertised as a GS 5/7/9, then you will not typically be able to progress beyond the GS-9 level in that position. An exception to this would be if you work at the 9 level for a while and additional duties are added to the position, then it is possible that a desk audit would result in an upgrade, but even then it would likely be to the GS-11 level. Otherwise, to be promoted to a grade above the GS-9 level you will have to compete for positions at higher levels.

montanagourmet · Newbie Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 2 Career Advice: +0/-0

I had to chuckle at Darren's response. You may want to take a look at some of the stats for federal employees--the numbers of employees who occupy positions at various grade levels. The number of people who progress to the GS-15 level are not abundant. And frankly, as a former government employee of 33 years, I can tell you that you could not pay me enough to take on a GS-15 position. The problems/issues that one deals with at that level are, well, frustrating would be an understatement.

I retired as a GS-13 and occupied several different positions at the 13 level during the 15 or so years that I was a 13.

It would be the rare exception for someone to advance at the speed you describe.

And the use of the term "stagnate" in a grade for too long.... Your concept of the workplace, what constitutes success, the opportunities for advancement.... All I can say is you are in for a big wakeup call one of these days. Not everyone who stays in a position at a certain grade "stagnates." Some people find that they are good at what they do, have a lot of opportunities for freedom and creativity, and can still learn and take on new responsibilities even at the same grade level.

So, wishing "Darren" good luck with his career advancement. Let us know when you get your 15, eh?

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