DoD Pay Tweaks: Wage Committee Huddles in Secret
Published Date: 3/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Defense Wage Committee met several times to review and update pay rates for blue-collar workers in different areas. These changes affect DoD employees paid from government funds and could impact their wages soon. The meetings were private and focused on making sure pay stays fair and up-to-date.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
DoD wage schedule reviews may change pay
If you are a DoD blue-collar employee paid from government funds, the DoD Wage Committee reviewed wage surveys and proposed wage schedules or wage changes for many appropriated and nonappropriated fund local wage areas during meetings from December 9, 2025 through March 3, 2026. These reviews cover specific local wage areas (for example: Los Angeles, CA (AC-130/AC-013); Washington, DC (AC-124/AC-027); San Diego, CA (AC-054/AC-017)) and could lead to changes in your pay schedule.
15-day notice waived to avoid pay harm
The Advisory Committee Management Officer waived the 15-calendar day public-notice requirement for the December 9 and December 16, 2025 meetings because delays would have increased negative impacts to pay for Federal Wage System employees. The waiver allowed those meetings to proceed without the usual 15-day public notification to prevent worsening pay implications.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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