Executive Schedule Level I Pay 2026
$253,100 annual salary, effective January 11, 2026. No locality pay. Cabinet Secretaries and the heads of independent agencies at the highest level (e.g., Secretary of State, Secretary of D.
Source: OPM Executive Schedule & SES Pay Tables 2026, effective January 11, 2026
ES Level I pay at a glance (2026)
Fixed annual salary — same amount regardless of duty station or years in position.
Who serves at Executive Schedule Level I?
Cabinet Secretaries and the heads of independent agencies at the highest level (e.g., Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense). Also the Vice President's salary when set by statute at this rate.
- →Secretary of State
- →Secretary of Defense
- →Secretary of the Treasury
All Executive Schedule levels — 2026
Context for ES Level I within the full Executive Schedule.
| Level | 2026 Salary | Key use |
|---|---|---|
| ES Level I← current | $253,100 | Secretary of State |
| ES Level II | $228,000 | Deputy Secretary of Defense · Certified SES cap |
| ES Level III | $209,600 | Under Secretary of Defense (Policy) · Standard SES cap |
| ES Level IV | $197,200 | Assistant Secretary of State |
| ES Level V | $184,900 | Certain commissioners of independent regulatory bodies |
OPM Executive Schedule & SES Pay Tables 2026, effective January 11, 2026. Effective January 11, 2026.
Executive Schedule Level I — frequently asked questions
What is the Executive Schedule Level I salary in 2026?
The Executive Schedule Level I salary in 2026 is $253,100, effective January 11, 2026. This is a fixed annual rate — no locality pay, no step increases. Source: OPM Executive Schedule Pay Tables 2026.
What positions are paid at Executive Schedule Level I?
Cabinet Secretaries and the heads of independent agencies at the highest level (e.g., Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense). Also the Vice President's salary when set by statute at this rate. Specific positions at this level include: Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Treasury. The complete list of Level I positions is defined in 5 U.S.C. § 5311 (the Executive Schedule statute for each respective level).
How does Executive Schedule pay compare to SES pay?
Executive Schedule rates are fixed by statute and apply to political appointees and top statutory positions. SES (Senior Executive Service) is the pay system for career senior executives, with a pay range of $151,661 (minimum) to $209,600 (standard cap, which is the Level IV rate of $197,200) or $228,000 (certified agency cap, which is the Level III rate of $209,600). ES positions typically report through an ES Level III or higher official.
Does Executive Schedule Level I pay include locality pay?
No. Executive Schedule pay rates are fixed statutory amounts — no locality supplement is added on top. This contrasts with GS employees, who receive a locality adjustment ranging from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% (San Jose/San Francisco). The tradeoff is that ES rates are higher in absolute terms and are set to be competitive with senior private-sector compensation on a national basis.
Browse all Executive Schedule levels
2026 pay rates for every ES level, plus SES pay range and how the cap system works.
Data Accuracy Notice: Executive Schedule Level I pay rate is from OPM official pay tables, effective January 11, 2026. Verify at OPM Executive Schedule. This page is for informational reference only and does not constitute financial or career advice.