FedHR ToolsTwo-step promotion
Coverage, sources & calculation rules
For continuous GS-to-GS promotions using ordinary step rates, including GS hybrid Title 38 positions. This is the mandatory two-step calculation, before any discretionary highest-previous-rate determination. It does not decide qualifications, promotion eligibility or a discretionary exception allowing a lower alternate rate.
County lookup determines locality pay, including Rest of U.S. A VA special-rate match requires an individual city / duty location and the applicable occupation, title and salary plan. A plan’s owning station is its administrator; it is not assumed to be the employee’s physical station. Confirm coverage against the position of record.
Each step uses the highest applicable published base, locality or selected special rate. A move is processed first. The standard method applies exclusively when the same schedules cover both positions after that conversion. Otherwise both methods are calculated, and the higher rate applies; a tie uses standard. Above-step-10 comparisons extend the underlying GS rate by two published within-grade amounts before applying supplements and caps.
These are current-table comparisons, not historical or future effective-date pay determinations. The VA file is a current snapshot; it does not provide prior schedule versions. A source row with an inconsistent supplement cannot be extended beyond its published steps. Existing retained pay and other base-pay systems are outside this calculator’s scope. A result requiring new pay retention is flagged for review.
About this tool & source checks
Start with the position details. We’ll look up the pay and compare the methods that apply.
Read the promotion rule ↗Moving between GS and FWS? Determine promotion, reassignment or change to lower grade →
About the two-step promotion rule
What is the two-step promotion rule?
When a GS employee is promoted, 5 CFR 531.214 raises pay by at least two within-grade increases of the current grade, then sets the lowest step of the higher grade that reaches that amount. The calculator works this through on the tables that cover each position.
When does the alternate method apply?
When different pay schedules cover the two positions, the rule allows an alternate calculation, and the calculator shows both results. If the same schedules cover both positions after any geographic conversion, the standard method is required.
Does it handle a change of duty station?
Yes. Give the current and proposed worksites and it converts the current job to the new location before promoting. It includes locality tables, OPM’s 001M minimum rates and VA special salary rates.
What does it leave out?
Retained pay and other pay systems such as GM, GL and GW need separate review, and a highest previous rate is a separate determination. For FWS moves into GS, use the maximum payable rate calculator.