Federal Pay Bump: Everyone from Judges to VP Gets Raise
Published Date: 12/23/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
Starting soon, many federal workers, including government employees, senior executives, judges, military members, and even the Vice President, will see their pay rates go up. These changes, set by the President, adjust salaries across several government pay systems to keep up with the times and costs. The new pay rates kick in right away, giving a boost to those serving the country in various important roles.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
General Schedule and Civilian Raises
The Executive Order sets new rates of basic pay or salaries for statutory civilian pay systems, including the General Schedule, the Foreign Service Schedule, and Veterans Health Administration schedules. These new rates take effect on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Uniformed Services Pay Effective Jan 1
The Executive Order sets the rates of monthly basic pay for members of the uniformed services and cadet or midshipman pay on Schedule 8, with Schedule 8 effective January 1, 2026.
Possible 3.8% Boost for Federal Law Enforcement
The Director of the Office of Personnel Management is directed to assess whether to provide up to a total increase of 3.8 percent (inclusive of the increase provided under Section 1) to the rates of pay of certain Federal civilian law enforcement personnel, as determined by the Director after coordination with agencies and consistent with 5 U.S.C. 5305.
Locality Pay Adjustments Ordered
The Executive Order directs locality-based comparability payments to be paid in accordance with Schedule 9 and authorizes the Director to take actions necessary to implement those payments and publish notice in the Federal Register.
Senior Executive Service Pay Ranges
The Executive Order sets new ranges of basic pay for members of the Senior Executive Service, with those ranges included in Schedule 4. The new SES pay ranges take effect on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Executive, Legislative, Judicial Salaries Set
The Executive Order sets the rates of basic pay or salaries for Executive Schedule positions, the Vice President and Congress, and for Justices and judges as listed on the attached schedules. These salary rates take effect on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Administrative Law Judges Pay Set
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5372, the Executive Order sets rates of basic pay for administrative law judges as listed in Schedule 10, effective on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12435 — National Homeownership Month, 2026
June 2026 is National Homeownership Month, and the President is making homes more affordable for hardworking families and young Americans. New rules stop big investors from buying up single-family homes, and $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities will help lower borrowing costs. These changes aim to fix past mistakes, protect honest buyers, and make owning a home easier and fairer starting now.
2026-12283 — Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific
The President is reopening huge areas of Pacific waters for American commercial fishing, boosting jobs and local economies while keeping fish and ocean life safe. This change affects fishing communities and businesses that follow smart, science-based rules already in place. The new access starts right away, making it a big win for hardworking fishers and the environment alike.
2026-11594 — Implementing Schedule Policy/Career in the Excepted Service
This new rule affects federal employees in important policy jobs, making it easier to remove those who don’t do their jobs well while still hiring based on merit, not politics. Starting now, these policy-focused career roles will have clearer rules for accountability and rewards for great work. This change helps keep the government effective and fair, with no extra costs or delays announced.
2026-11595 — Strengthening Customs Enforcement
The government is cracking down on customs rules to stop illegal goods and make sure importers pay their fair share. Importers will need to show they have enough money or assets to cover their duties, and new rules will roll out within 180 days. This means safer trade, stronger borders, and fairer business for everyone.
2026-11415 — Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security
The President is boosting America’s leadership in advanced AI by cutting red tape and teaming up with private companies to make AI safer and stronger. This means faster tech upgrades, better cyber defenses, and protecting American ideas from theft—all starting right away with key actions due within 30 days. If you work in government or AI industries, get ready for big changes that speed innovation while keeping our country secure.
2026-11314 — Further Adjusting the Tariff Regimes for Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Into the United States
The U.S. is updating tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper imports to keep our national security strong. Big changes include higher taxes on metal products starting soon, affecting importers and industries using these metals. These moves aim to protect American jobs and industries while keeping prices fair.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23570 — Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals To Protect the Security of the United States
The U.S. is tightening who can enter the country to keep everyone safe from threats like terrorism and hate crimes. People from certain countries with weak background checks will face new travel limits starting soon. These changes help protect Americans without costing extra money but mean stricter visa rules for some travelers.
Next: 2025-23845 — Ensuring American Space Superiority
The U.S. is stepping up its game to lead in space by sending astronauts back to the Moon by 2028 and building a permanent lunar base by 2030. This plan boosts national security with new missile defenses and stronger partnerships, while also opening doors for commercial space businesses. These moves will happen over the next few years and involve big investments to keep America ahead in the space race.