An Overview of the 2024 GS Pay Scales: Key Updates for Federal Employees in Washington, DC, Hawaii,

When most people think about federal employees, they often picture public servants working diligently behind the scenes for modest pay. But did you know that the highest paid federal government employee earns a salary that rivals—if not exceeds—some top private sector executives? This often sparks curiosity, debate, and even some frustration among taxpayers. So who exactly holds that title, and what does it tell us about the federal pay structure? In this blog, we’ll explore who earns the top salary in the federal workforce, why they earn so much, and what this means in the broader context of government compensation. Understanding Federal Pay Structures Before we reveal who the highest earner is, it's important to understand how federal pay systems are structured. The federal government uses several pay systems, including: General Schedule (GS): Covers most federal employees. It includes 15 grades, each with 10 steps. Executive Schedule (ES): Used for top-level politic...

Retirement is one of life’s biggest transitions—and if you’re a federal employee, your retirement benefits are both valuable and complex. From your FERS pension to TSP contributions, Social Security eligibility, and federal healthcare options, there’s a lot to understand. That’s where working with expert federal employee retirement advisors can make a world of difference. At Federal Pension Advisors , we specialize in helping federal employees navigate their benefits, make smart financial decisions, and retire with clarity and confidence. Our mission is simple: to make sure you get the most out of the benefits you’ve worked hard to earn. Whether you’re five years from retirement or just starting to think about your future, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Why You Need a Federal Employee Retirement Advisor Federal retirement isn’t like private-sector retirement planning. The rules are different, the benefits are structured in unique ways, and the decisions you make ...

  If you're a federal employee under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and planning to retire in 2025, choosing the best date to retire can significantly impact your pension and benefits. At FederalPensionAdvisors , we understand how crucial it is to carefully consider your retirement timing to maximize your financial security. In this guide, we’ll break down the best dates to retire under FERS in 2025 and why timing matters. Why Do Retirement Dates Matter Under FERS? FERS retirement benefits are influenced by multiple factors, including your years of service, your age, and the exact retirement date you choose. Since your pension is calculated based on these elements, selecting the optimal retirement date can increase your annuity, enhance your health benefits, and improve your overall retirement package. Additionally, certain dates can affect the timing of your first pension payment and eligibility for retiree health insurance. Choosing the right retirement date can...

Federal employees planning for retirement under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) often encounter a wide range of terms and options. One of the less understood but extremely important choices is FERS postponed retirement . This option allows eligible employees to delay the start of their annuity benefits, potentially avoiding reductions and retaining some federal benefits. At Federal Pension Advisors , we help government workers navigate these decisions with clarity. In this article, we break down everything you need to know about FERS postponed retirement and how our expert services can guide your financial future. What Is FERS Postponed Retirement? FERS postponed retirement is a type of deferred retirement available to federal employees who have met the minimum retirement age (MRA) and have at least 10 years of creditable service, but who choose to leave federal service before receiving an immediate annuity. Instead of collecting reduced benefits right away, the emp...

  Understanding the 2026 IRMAA Brackets : What Federal Retirees Need to Know By FederalPensionAdvisors Retirement planning isn’t just about savings and pensions it’s also about managing healthcare costs. For federal retirees, Medicare can offer excellent coverage, but it also comes with potential cost increases based on your income. One of the most important—and often overlooked factors is IRMAA, the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. As we look ahead, understanding the 2026 IRMAA brackets is essential to protect your retirement income and avoid unexpected costs. What Is IRMAA? IRMAA is an additional charge added to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. It's not a penalty, but rather an adjustment based on your income level. Specifically, the Social Security Administration looks at your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior. So for 2026, the income reported on your 2024 tax return will determine whether you owe IRMAA and how much. This adjustment a...