Senior Executive Service (SES) FAQ

The SES insignia is a keystone, the stone at the center of an arch that holds all the other stones in place. The keystone symbolizes the crucial role SES plays as the coordinator between the government leaders who set the political agenda and the employees who carry it out.

The vertical lines in the center of the keystone form a column representing the way SES members are united into a leadership corps. There is no unique symbolism associated with the number of lines included, though the number of center lines has changed over time with different iterations of the insignia.

There are several key differences between SES, SL, and ST positions. SES positions are classified as above GS-15. They also involve one or more criteria specified in 5 U.S.C. 3132, such as directing an organization and monitoring progress toward goals. To officially become a member of the SES, an individual must present ECQs to OPM’s Qualifications Review Board for their approval.

SL (Senior Level) positions are also classified as above GS-15, but the work does not meet the 5 U.S.C. 3132 criteria as SES work does. These positions may be in Excepted or Competitive Service. ECQs are not required to obtain an SL position.

Like SES and SL positions, ST (Scientific and Professional) positions are ranked above GS-15. However, they require a focus on high-level research and development, and they operate under 5 U.S.C. 3104. They are also always in Competitive Service. As with SL positions, ST positions do not require ECQs.

You can find information about Presidential Rank awards and performance awards in the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Fact Book and Federal Workforce Statistics.

The Executive Schedule basic rates of pay effective January 2023 are as follows:

Level I: $235,600

Level II: $212,100

Level III: $195,000

Level IV: $183,500

Level V: $172,100

The OPM defines “acting” as the type of situation in which one SES official may stand in for another. For example, a Deputy has the responsibility and authority to perform an SES-level Director’s duties in that Director’s absence.

This acting capacity is meant to cover short-term absences. If the length of the acting assignment extends the timeline outlined in 5 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 317.903., then the provisions of that code — including competition requirements — apply.

OPM regulations on serving as a detail for an SES position are also outlined in 5 CFR 317.903. The provision specifies a detail as the temporary assignment of a non-SES member is to an SES position. Under a detail, the non-SES member continues to receive their regular pay and benefits. For example, a GS-15 detailed to an SES position will continue to be paid the GS-15 salary rate for their position of record.

Under paragraph (b) of 5 CFR 317.903, agencies are required to use competitive procedures for details longer than 240 days. If the detailed non-SES member is supervising SES members as part of the assignment, the agencies must receive approval from OPM to extend the detail longer than 240 days.

No. Credit hours are a type of premium pay. Under 5 CFR 610.408, SES members are not eligible for premium pay.

No. Compensatory time is a type of premium pay. SES members are not eligible for premium pay, per 5 CFR 610.408.

Career SES members may be entitled to have their moving expenses paid for upon retirement, per the “last move home” provision in 5 USC 5724(a)(3). If a career SES member was geographically moved when eligible for optional retirement, within five years of optional requirement, or eligible for discontinued service retirement, they qualify for “last move home” compensation. Members who are non-career or serving on a limited-term or emergency basis are not eligible.

The General Services Administration determines how much the retiring career SES member is paid for moving expenses. You can receive additional information on “last move home” from your agency’s Human Resources office.

Yes. Administered by the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), the Hatch Act restricts political activity by employees of the executive branch, District of Columbia government officials, and state and local employees who work with federally funded programs. You can find out more information by visiting the OSC’s website.

SES members are allowed to join federal labor unions. However, a labor union cannot represent an SES member in a grievance. The contract provisions of labor unions also do not apply to the SES.

You can find out your agency’s established SES protocol by contacting the agency’s Human Resources office.

Yes. The Senior Executive Association (SEA) is an organization that represents Senior Executive Service members’ interests. You can visit their website for a wide range of valuable information. Whether you’re looking for resources on legal assistance or you want to check out member forums to learn about other SES members’ experiences, the SEA website has all the information you need. You can also find out how to obtain member items such as the SES lapel pin and flag.