The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is ending its Special Salary Rate (SSR) for IT workers. SSRs are premium pay rates above standard federal pay designed to make federal IT roles more competitive with the private sector. For years, these rates have helped the VA recruit and retain skilled IT professionals for roles in areas like IT operations, cyber security, and product management.
However, starting in 2025, VA IT employees will transition from SSR pay scales back to standard General Schedule (GS) salaries. Notably, affected employees will not see a pay cut; instead, they will be matched to the GS rate that either reflects their current SSR salary (using pay retention provisions, if necessary) or offers a similar compensation level. Moving forward, VA IT pay will be determined by the standard GS scale and locality adjustments, rather than the special IT supplement.
This change may have a significant impact on future recruiting, as VA IT jobs could become less financially competitive with industry roles. It also means the VA is signaling a shift in how it values and compensates its technology workforce. Employees and applicants should pay close attention to the official communications from the VA Careers and human resources offices for full details.
What does this mean for VA IT staff?
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No immediate pay reduction: Current staff will not lose salary but will transition to the GS pay scales.
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Future recruiting challenges: The end of SSR could make VA IT jobs less attractive compared to private sector positions.
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Clear communication is key: Employees should confirm their new pay rates and eligibility for pay retention.
If you’re currently in a VA IT role or considering one, it’s important to review the updated pay guidance and reach out to your HR office with any questions.