Some federal law enforcement personnel could receive a pay raise of up to 6.7 percent in 2027.
In a new memo, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) added several positions to the list of those eligible for the 2027 pay raise. The move follows President Trump's August 26 alternative pay plan, which directed OPM to provide select federal law enforcement personnel with a 3.8 percent raise.
The 6.7 percent increase would be for positions newly made eligible for the special salary rate. Other federal law enforcement personnel would receive the 3.8 percent.
The 6.7 percent amount encompasses the 3.8 percent raise, plus a catch-up adjustment for those who did not receive the higher raise in 2026.
The positions being added include the following:
Certain law enforcement officer positions covered under federal statute, excluding positions that qualify based solely on “frequent direct contact with detained suspected/convicted criminals.”
Police officers in the 0083 occupational series, excluding those at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which has its own special rate that will be addressed separately.
Security administration employees in the 0080 occupational series who regularly perform both physical security and law enforcement duties and have arrest authority.
Criminal investigation employees in the 1811 occupational series, including those working in inspector general offices.
The additional positions will automatically become eligible for the special salary rate unless an agency requests an exemption. Pay rates remain subject to the statutory pay cap, which is set at $197,200 for 2027.
OPM said it may also establish special salary rates for agriculture inspectors at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as well as certain federal firefighters.
OPM said the higher rates are intended to help agencies recruit and retain law enforcement personnel.
“Without this extended special rate coverage, the government may find it difficult to recruit and/or retain the number of law enforcement personnel needed to enforce federal laws or otherwise protect the public safety,” stated OPM in the memo.
This marks the second consecutive year that certain federal law enforcement officers are in line for additional pay increases. Most other federal employees, meanwhile, are facing a pay freeze in 2027 after receiving a one percent raise in 2026.
However, the final 2027 federal pay adjustments have not yet been formally established through an executive order, which is typically issued in December. Congress could also intervene to provide a different raise amount.
Federal agencies must submit employee headcounts, feedback and any requested exclusions to OPM by November 25, 2026.
