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Post by judicature on Sept 10, 2007 15:40:19 GMT -5
So if you start at the bottom of the ALJ pay scale, how does pay progression work in light of the fact that there are not very many steps and apparently no performance evaluations?
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Post by Pixie on Sept 10, 2007 16:28:37 GMT -5
Start out at the A level. After one year, increase to B. After another year, increase to C. After another year, increase to D. Then it is two years to E, and another two years to F. So it takes eight years to top out.
I believe that is the way it works. If I'm wrong, someone will correct me! Pix.
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Post by southerner on Sept 10, 2007 16:40:52 GMT -5
From what the ALJ's in my office have reported, Pixie is correct. The only note I would make is that one can cap out a few years earlier if you are located and remain in a high pay area, e.g., Houston or San Francisco.
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Post by Pixie on Sept 10, 2007 17:29:09 GMT -5
From what the ALJ's in my office have reported, Pixie is correct. The only note I would make is that one can cap out a few years earlier if you are located and remain in a high pay area, e.g., Houston or San Francisco. Hadn't heard that one. Thought the only compensation for being in a high salary area was the increase in the locality pay for that area. I do know that when a judge is appointed to HO chief, there is an increase of one pay grade. The best time to be appointed is just after the increase to D. Then the next increase is to E, which normally requires a two year wait. The worst time to be appointed is just before an increase in pay grade. Then the increase is to a grade the judge has almost already earned. Normally personnel will work with the judge if the timing is close. I will file away in the back of my pixielike brain the information about high salary areas and shortened waits for step increases. Perhaps someone else out there has information on the topic. Pix. |
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Post by workdrone on Sept 10, 2007 17:31:19 GMT -5
Here's the Jan 2007 Pay chart in case anyone is interested: OPM ALJ Locality Pay ChartThe locality cap for this year is $154,600.00. Looks like ALJs in certain high wage jurisdictions will hit it at the 3/E level (after 6 years) while others won't cap out until 3/F (after 8 years). Furthermore, there are certain localities where the ALJ will not hit the $154,600 cap even at 3/F (you'll have to be in management to hit the cap in those low cost places...) Although I'm still puzzled by the fact that Huston seems to have the highest wage scale right after San Francisco/San Jose area.  |
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Post by oldtimer on Sept 10, 2007 19:34:58 GMT -5
A very slight correction to Pixie's post (or maybe you all were smart enough to realize), but appointment as a HOCALJ does not automatically confer a pay raise, i.e., if you've already been a judge for several years in a reasonably high location and are thus already at the top of the scale, you get bupkes for the aggravation!  |
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Post by chris on Sept 10, 2007 19:43:56 GMT -5
"Although I'm still puzzled by the fact that Huston seems to have the highest wage scale right after San Francisco/San Jose area."
I wondered about that too. The explanation is discussed in another topic which I'm too tired to look up. Basically, there aren't many attorneys in the Houston area compared to other metro areas of similar size. Location pay isn't paid solely for cost of living but to compete for attorneys in that market.
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Post by Pixie on Sept 10, 2007 20:21:16 GMT -5
Yes, if topped out, there is no increase in pay for the judge who is appointed HO chief. Also, there are no perks. But there are "negative" perks. This is why the turnover is so high. Will anyone take steps to solve the problem? Of course not. Pix.
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Post by workdrone on Sept 10, 2007 20:47:09 GMT -5
Basically, there aren't many attorneys in the Houston area compared to other metro areas of similar size. Location pay isn't paid solely for cost of living but to compete for attorneys in that market. I read that too, but I'm not convinced... 2007 Median salary for a lawyer in Huston is $89,236. Payscale.com stats for HustonThe currently median salary for lawyers in DC, SF, NY, LA all top $100k, Payscale.com stats for attorneys So the above explanation doesn't make much sense if you're looking at the current wage stats. I'll just chuck it up to another thing in life that's not quite rational.  This is why the turnover is so high. Will anyone take steps to solve the problem? Of course not. Pix. Amen. You gotta be a glutton for punishment to take that job if you're topped out and have no desire to relocate. |
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Post by doctorwho on Sept 10, 2007 21:34:43 GMT -5
As far as I know, the one work-around in the system is the previous highest-wage if you are a government employee. For example, if your a member of the SES and are currently making $150k, you'd start at $150k as an ALJ under the previous highest-wage rule (or $120, if you're a GS 15, or a high GS 14, etc.). Other than that, I do think it's to the bottom of the scale.
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Post by odarite on Sept 10, 2007 21:45:23 GMT -5
"Although I'm still puzzled by the fact that Huston seems to have the highest wage scale right after San Francisco/San Jose area." I wondered about that too. The explanation is discussed in another topic which I'm too tired to look up. Basically, there aren't many attorneys in the Houston area compared to other metro areas of similar size. Location pay isn't paid solely for cost of living but to compete for attorneys in that market. Locality pay is not determined by a particular job category since the any particular pay scale covers a multitude of sins. It reflects overall labor market conditions. This reflects that it is harder to attract feds in Houston because competing opportunites pay well and there is a relatively small workforce from which to draw, compared to need. At least that is the theory. |
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Post by ruonthelist on Sept 14, 2007 17:02:15 GMT -5
It is seven years until you max out (again, unless you become a HOCALJ during the first seven years).
3A initial hire
3B 1 year
3C 2 years
3D 3 years
3E 5 years
3F 7 years
Pixie is right, the best time for a HOCALJ appointment is right after you make 3D.
--------
Are YOU on the list?
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Post by odarite on Sept 14, 2007 17:19:02 GMT -5
Right before you hit E is also an excellent time to become a HOCALJ. (Well assuming being a HOCALJ can ever be excellent.) Your bump will be held until you actually move to E so you get E and F at the same time. That is one thing the personnel offices are good at. You don't get much for being HOCALJ, so they do work it for your maximum pay benefit.
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Post by doctorwho on Sept 14, 2007 18:14:42 GMT -5
Reference DrWho - I am pretty certain that OPM rules permit a one step increase from your current salary, if you are a current federal employee. So if you are currently a GS-15 step 4 in DC at $121,399, then they start you as an ALJ at at least $124,399 or better if that puts you in between 2 steps. Or something like that. There is a rule about it. That is correct. |
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