VA.gov | Veterans Affairs (2024)

• Competitive pay rates
• Recruitment incentives
• Pay increases
• Premium pay
• Incentive pay

COMPETITIVE PAY RATES

As a VA employee, you may be eligible for competitive starting rates based on:

• Education and training
• Experience
• Duties required by the position
• Guidelines from professional boards
• Adjustments for specific locations to keep pay competitive.

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RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES

As a new hire, you may be eligible for special recruitment incentives:

• Recruitment bonus: New hires may receive up to 25 percent of the rate of basic pay.
• Relocation bonus: VA employees who temporarily or permanently relocate to a different commuting area, without a break in service, may receive up to 25 percent of the rate of basic pay.
• Retention allowance: VA values its employees. You may receive up to 25 percent of the rate of basic pay to remain with the Government.

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PAY INCREASES

Federal employees may receive:

• Regular performance-based increases
• Accelerated increases for outstanding performance
• Pay comparability increases approved by the President.

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PREMIUM PAY

Premium pay is available to employees whose work schedule includes:

• Overtime work
• Sunday work
• Saturday work (for certain health care personnel)
• Holiday work
• Time spent on-call (for certain health care occupations)
• Evening and night work

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INCENTIVE AWARDS

VA offers many forms of incentive awards, including:

• Superior Performance Awards
• Special Contribution Awards
• Quality Step Increases
• VA Honor Awards
• Non-Monetary Recognition
• Title 38 Awards

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Find Out More About VA Job Benefits:

• Salary, Awards, and Recognition
• Protecting Your Income
• Managing Your Health
• Planning for Your Future
• Achieving Work and Life Balance
• Time Away from Work