The United States Department of Education (ED) plays a vital role in shaping the nation’s education policies, overseeing federal funding for schools, and ensuring educational programs meet national standards. Employees of the Department of Education are essential to implementing programs that impact millions of students, teachers, and institutions nationwide.
In 2025, the federal government revised salary structures for Department of Education employees in response to inflation, cost-of-living adjustments, and the ongoing need to retain qualified staff. These updates include revised base pay scales, locality adjustments, and enhanced allowances for high-responsibility positions.
Whether you are planning to join the Department of Education or are researching federal employee salaries, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of employee compensation, benefits, career growth, and frequently asked questions.
Department of Education Employee Salary Overview (2025)
Salaries for Department of Education employees vary depending on:
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Federal General Schedule (GS) grade level
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Years of experience and federal service
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Job classification and specialty roles
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Location and locality pay adjustments
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Overtime or special duty assignments
Summary Table: Department of Education Salary by Grade (2025)
| GS Level | Estimated Annual Salary (USD) | Approx. Hourly Rate | Typical Roles & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | $33,000 – $42,000 | $16 – $20 | Entry-level clerical or administrative support |
| GS-5 | $41,000 – $53,000 | $20 – $26 | Program assistants, junior analysts |
| GS-7 | $50,000 – $65,000 | $24 – $31 | Program specialists, policy analysts |
| GS-9 | $59,000 – $76,000 | $28 – $38 | Education program managers, evaluators |
| GS-11 | $70,000 – $90,000 | $34 – $44 | Senior analysts, mid-level managers |
| GS-12 | $83,000 – $108,000 | $40 – $53 | Supervisory roles, team leads |
| GS-13 | $97,000 – $125,000 | $47 – $61 | Senior program managers, policy directors |
| GS-14 | $113,000 – $147,000 | $55 – $72 | Division chiefs, senior advisors |
| GS-15 | $132,000 – $172,000 | $64 – $84 | Executive roles, department heads |
Note: Salaries include base pay plus locality adjustments, but exclude additional bonuses or overtime.
How the Department of Education Salary Structure Works (2025)
1. Federal General Schedule (GS) Pay System
Most Department of Education employees are federal employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) system. Salary is determined by grade level, step within the grade, and years of experience. Entry-level positions often start at GS-3 or GS-5, while management and specialist roles may be GS-12 to GS-15.
In 2025, the federal base pay was increased by 4.6%, with additional locality pay of 15–35% depending on geographic location.
2. Locality Pay Adjustments
Locality pay accounts for cost-of-living differences across states and metro areas. For example:
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Washington D.C. and San Francisco employees receive higher locality pay than those in smaller cities.
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Employees in rural areas may have lower base salaries but benefit from federal allowances for relocation or travel.
3. Special Duty and Overtime Pay
While most ED employees work standard schedules, certain roles qualify for:
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Overtime pay at 1.5x the regular hourly rate for administrative or technical staff working beyond 40 hours/week.
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Special duty pay for employees temporarily assigned to high-priority programs or emergency educational initiatives.
4. Temporary vs. Permanent Positions
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Permanent employees receive full benefits, retirement contributions, and access to promotions.
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Temporary employees (limited-term or seasonal) receive base pay and may be eligible for limited allowances, but benefits are often reduced.
Department of Education Employee Salary by State (2025)
Salary can vary significantly depending on location, even for the same GS level, due to locality pay. Below is an overview of estimated salary ranges for mid-level positions (GS-7 to GS-11) across select states:
| State | Estimated Salary Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | $55,000 – $92,000 | High cost-of-living, large urban offices |
| New York | $53,000 – $89,000 | High locality pay in NYC |
| Texas | $50,000 – $82,000 | Moderate cost-of-living, dispersed offices |
| Florida | $48,000 – $80,000 | Regional variations in urban vs rural |
| Illinois | $51,000 – $85,000 | High-density school program oversight |
| Ohio | $47,000 – $77,000 | Moderate cost-of-living |
| Washington DC | $60,000 – $98,000 | High locality pay for federal HQ staff |
| Other States | $44,000 – $75,000 | Base pay adjusted with regional cost-of-living |
Benefits and Allowances (2025)
Department of Education employees receive a comprehensive benefits package:
Key Benefits
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Federal Employee Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision plans.
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Retirement: Through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): With government matching contributions.
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Life Insurance: Coverage for dependents and employees.
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Paid Leave: Vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Key Allowances
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Locality Pay: Adjusted by geographic region.
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Special Assignment Pay: For high-priority projects or emergency programs.
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Travel and Relocation Per Diem: For assignments requiring travel between schools or districts.
Career Progression in the Department of Education
Entry-Level Positions
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Administrative Assistants
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Program Support Specialists
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Junior Analysts
Mid-Level Positions
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Program Specialists
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Policy Analysts
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Education Program Managers
Senior-Level Positions
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Division Chiefs
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Senior Program Managers
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Policy Directors
Executive-Level Positions
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Department Heads
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Senior Advisors
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Executive Officers
Promotions are based on experience, performance evaluations, and available positions, with salary increases at each grade advancement.
Factors Influencing Salary in 2025
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Federal Budget Allocations: Impacts overall pay adjustments and bonuses.
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Cost of Living: Locality pay adjusts for geographic differences.
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Experience and Education: Advanced degrees and years of service influence grade placement.
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Program Responsibility: High-priority programs may offer special pay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the starting salary for Department of Education employees?
Entry-level GS-3 or GS-5 positions typically start at $33,000 – $42,000 per year. -
How much does locality pay affect salaries?
Locality pay can add 15–35% to base salaries, depending on city and state. -
Are benefits included in the salary?
No. Benefits are separate and include health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid leave. -
Can employees transfer between states?
Yes, federal employees can request transfers based on position availability and career goals. -
Do temporary employees receive full benefits?
Generally, temporary employees have limited benefits compared to permanent staff. -
How does experience affect pay?
Higher GS steps and years of service increase salary within each grade. -
Are bonuses available for special projects?
Yes, certain assignments or emergency programs may include special duty pay. -
Is overtime common in the Department of Education?
Overtime is occasional and generally applies to administrative or technical staff during peak program periods. -
What is the highest salary in the department?
Senior executives and GS-15 positions earn $132,000 – $172,000 annually, excluding allowances. -
How is retirement calculated for employees?
Retirement is based on FERS, combining Social Security, TSP contributions, and pension from years of service.
Conclusion
The Department of Education employee salary structure in 2025 provides competitive pay, strong benefits, and clear pathways for career advancement. Federal pay reforms, locality adjustments, and special allowances ensure employees are rewarded for their expertise and commitment to improving American education.
Whether starting a career or advancing into senior leadership, Department of Education employees enjoy a secure and rewarding public service career with both financial and professional growth opportunities.