The
Position Classification
System is based
on two fundamental
principles:
1. There should
be equal pay for
substantially equal
work.
2. Variations in
pay should be in
proportion to substantial
differences in the
difficulty, responsibility
and qualifications
required.
Under the General
Schedule (GS) classification
system, individual
positions are classified
to an occupational
group, a series
representing a specific
occupation within
that group, and
an appropriate grade
which has a salary
range provided by
law. The same applies
to the Federal Wage
System (FWS) classification
except that salary
ranges are based
on prevailing rates
- the rates paid
by private employers
for similar work
in the wage area.
The rates are established
through geographic
wage surveys.
The Handbook of
Occupational Groups
and Families (Part
I for GS and Part
2 for FWS) defines
each occupational
group and series
established by the
Office of Personnel
Management (OPM).
Position classification
standards, issued
by OPM, provide
guidance and criteria
for determining
the proper classification
for positions in
specific occupations.
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