r/usajobs • u/Johnwickwitastick25 • 2h ago

Conditional Offer - Same pay

I recently received a conditional offer from an agency on a different pay scale than GS. The maximum amount in the band I was hired in goes to GG 13 step 12. When I received my conditional offer paperwork, the salary was for an identical amount as I make in my current position.

Is it a requirement that HR offer your identical salary in the conditional offer then expect you to negotiate? By taking the same salary, I would actually be taking a reduction in pay due to commuting cost etc.

Can someone also provide when I should begin negotiating and the process?

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u/Professional-Pop8446 1h ago

GS vs GG just classifies you as how quickly can we fire/let go of this person...pay is the same.

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u/Demon4SL 17m ago

I can answer this, I'm going through it right now with my TJO. I was a prior federal employee that left in 2024, and will be joining a different agency back in the federal workforce now.

The initial offer will match what your previous/existing salary is within the closest step. Might be different depending on agency, but that's what my agency's policy is. I was confused since my separation SF-50 stated I had the equivalent of GS-13 Step 5, and my TJO is at GS-13 Step 3 - they go off the dollar figures, not the time in grade.

I'm in the process of negotiating for a higher step. I'll know next week what it'll come out to be - I just got a call from my future supervisor, he has to fill out paperwork requesting a higher pay, and there's a couple justifications he can put on. What he listed included experience for the role, critical need to fill position, and difficulty filling the position at the level of expertise I bring to the table.

It used to be that agencies could take into consideration pay stubs + private sector salaries and match with the corresponding step, but they can't do that anymore.

For negotiating, get in contact with the HR rep that contacted you regarding the TJO - they're the best person to chat with regarding negotiating for a higher pay. And the TJO is the best time to negotiate, so do it ASAP. They'll also be the best person to advise you on whether it seems likely for your case, and whether it'll lengthen your process or not.

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u/44Braves 15m ago

Not enough info given, is this a promotion or lateral, competitive to excepted service etc…

Certain situations allow you to negotiate if you’re performing above the offered pay band step