Federal Employees: Pay, COLAs and Your 2009 Paycheck

FedSmith ^ | November 5, 2008 | Ralph Smith

[Poundstone]

The 3.9% pay raise is an average. We have gotten comments from readers complaining that our projected pay rates for 2009 do not show a 3.9% increase for their city or town. An average means that some will get more than 3.9% and some will get less. The base pay rate increase for 2009 is less than 3.9%. The 3.9% average is reached by taking into account locality pay rates. This means that some federal employees in some areas will get less because they are not in a locality pay area.

[Poundstone]

As a career federal government employee, my salary is currently capped at $149,000, the top level in the "general schedule." Next year it should rise to the new cap, $154,000. That's still less than the 3.9% average raise federal employees below the cap in the Washington area will get. I'm bummed!

[napscoordinator]

Oh my goodness. You complain about that salary while serviceman are over in Iraq making 20,000...sheesh!!!

[SFC Chromey]

Pound sand.

[sonofagun]

As a career federal employee, my salary is also capped at $149,000. However, I don't make anywhere near that much and will never attain that kind of salary.

Just so's the non federal employees here don't get the wrong idea on federal salaries.

[Felis_irritable]

I think you’re going to need a flamesuit...or add a /sarc tag.

[businessprofessor]

Are you serious? While unemployment increases and private sector compensation is reduced, you complain about not getting a 3.9% raise. We are in an economic crisis. Raises should be cancelled for all government employees, including myself. I will not put my self interest above the general good. Government spending must be controlled beginning with employee compensation.

[ikka]

Can I ask what you in general, do for that $149K per year?

[Ouderkirk]

Those of us who work the private sector are seeing 2% or less and you can forget about COLA’s.

[org.whodat]

Yes and that is about 100,000 to high.

[sionnsar]

Count your blessings, career federal government employee. As a private sector employee I am anticipating there will be little to no pay increases this year as the corporation adjusts to meet the downturn.

[kevao]

At least you never have to worry about layoffs.

[what's up]

I assume you are retired?

Federal retired employees have it made. They can collect annual increases in salaries for not lifting a finger.

In this age of deep reductions in pensions in private industry, it's amazing that Federal employees are so richly benefited.

[Go Gordon]

Raises should be cancelled for all government employees, including myself.

Our company cancelled raises indefinitely, starting about six months ago.

[PugetSoundSoldier]

Don’t forget the 7.62% (or 15.24% for those of us self-employed) you don’t have to pay - SSI and FICA. Must be nice to have a portable retirement account that survives death!

[Skooz]

Federal employees pay FICA taxes.

[bmwcyle]

I’m a government contractor. You govies are a waste of money and stand in the way of progress anyway. Most of you aren’t worth it.

[merry10]

I’m a career federal government employee too, just below managerial ranks (thankfully). I’m grateful for my salary, and I don’t think ANY OF US deserve a raise. Now, what do you have to be bummed about?

[Glenn]

I'm bummed!

So retire, fool.

[Skooz]

Ditto. I’m thankful for what I earn. I could earn more in the private sector, but I work with some of the most professional, courteous and friendly people anywhere.

For that I am very grateful.

[SoftballMominVA]

GS 14 or 15?

Just out of curiosity, did you stay in the CRCS or switch to FERS?