2026 SES Pay Scale
The Senior Executive Service uses a single pay range rather than General Schedule grades and steps, with no locality pay added. For 2026, SES basic rates run from $151,661 to $228,000, with the higher limit applying to agencies that have a certified performance appraisal system.
| SES pay boundary | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Minimum | $151,661 |
| Maximum — certified appraisal system (capped at EX Level II) | $228,000 |
| Maximum — uncertified system (capped at EX Level III) | $209,600 |
For reference, Level IV of the Executive Schedule — the cap on GS locality-adjusted pay — is $197,200 in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SES pay range for 2026?
For 2026, SES basic pay runs from $151,661 at the minimum to $228,000 at the maximum for agencies with a certified appraisal system.
Does SES pay include locality pay?
No. SES rates already account for locality and geography, so no separate locality percentage is added for 2026.
What is the top SES rate?
The maximum SES basic rate for 2026 is $228,000, which applies where an agency's performance appraisal system is certified; otherwise a lower cap applies.
How does the General Schedule pay cap relate to SES?
The General Schedule pay cap is set at Executive Schedule Level IV, $197,200, for 2026, while SES rates are set separately and can exceed the standard General Schedule grades.
Source: OPM Salary Table 2026-EX / OPM SES · effective January 1, 2026. Rates current as of July 20, 2026. Reference figures for general information — official pay is set by your agency, DFAS or OPM. See methodology.