DAFI36-128 — Pay Setting And Allowances

DAFI36-128 governs pay-setting and incentives for appropriated fund civilian employees under GS and FWS pay systems.

Search DAFI36-128

  • Publication number: DAFI36-128
  • Title: PAY SETTING AND ALLOWANCES
  • Date: 2026-01-09

View DAFI36-128 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers pay-setting, grade and pay retention, superior qualifications and special needs appointments, and supervisory differentials. It also prescribes procedures for recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives, including methods for determining HPR and MPR.

Applies to: This publication applies to the United States Space Force, Regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard for setting pay rates for appropriated fund civilian employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) or under the Federal Wage System (FWS).

Topics covered

  • Pay-setting
  • Grade and pay retention
  • Superior qualifications appointments
  • Recruitment incentives
  • Relocation incentives
  • Retention incentives
  • Supervisory differentials
  • Highest Previous Rate and Maximum Payable Rate

Questions and answers

Can Federal agencies consider an applicant’s salary history during pay-setting?

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a final rule prohibiting Federal agencies from considering either an applicant’s salary history or the salary of competing job offers during the pay-setting process.

Where is guidance for managing overtime and compensatory time located?

Guidance for managing overtime and compensatory time is now located in DoDI 1400.25v610_AFI36-152, Hours of Work and Holiday Observances.

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