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Negotiate Your Way to a Higher Federal Salary |
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Negotiate Your Way to a Higher Federal Salary
People frequently ask if it's possible to negotiate a higher federal salary. The answer is yes, provided you have some basic information about government pay scales.
Each government job has a salary range defined by steps within a pay grade. There is a range that the HR specialist and supervisor may have in mind to offer you, depending on your years of experience, specialized experience, your critical s****s, and -- very importantly -- the agency's budget. If the salary range is $43,000 to $50,000, you should have no problem getting $44,000 or even $48,000 for this job. Of course, there's no guarantee you'll get one of the higher figures, but if you have justifiable reasons and expertise for the job, you might be able to settle on agreeable terms. It also helps if hiring managers perceive you as confident and dedicated to public service. Use these tips and resources to bolster your negotiating position: Review Government Pay Scales A good place to start your research is the US Office of Personnel Management, where you'll find the federal government's General Schedule Pay Scale. Consider this example: If you are offered a job as a GS 9, the first "step" in Grade 9, according to the GS Pay Scale, is $40,949. The highest level in GS 9 -- Step 10 -- pays $53,234. You should also be aware of the Locality Pay Scales, which show how pay rates vary depending on the job's location. Ask for a Higher Step Within Your Grade A reasonable goal is to negotiate your step within your grade level. If you're in Grade 9, you can request a Step 8, Step 10 ($53,234) or any step you choose, based on any of the following reasons:
Salary can be just one component of your federal pay. Consider negotiating for these additional incentives to enhance your overall package:
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