# Critical Position Pay Authority

**Action Urgency Score:** 30/100

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Personnel Management Office |
| Type | Final rule |
| Action | Final rule. |
| Published | 2026-08-26 |
| Effective | 2026-08-26 |
| Significant | No |
| CFR parts | 5 CFR 535, 5 CFR 752 |
| Summary | The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is amending its regulations governing the critical position pay (CPP) authority to establish level I of the Executive Schedule as the default maximum critical pay rate, with higher rates subject to written approval by the Director of OPM. The final rule eliminates non-statutory caps and approval criteria; addresses the use of service agreements; clarifies that reductions or terminations of CPP are not adverse actions or subject to grievance or appeal rights; and clarifies the treatment of critical pay rates as basic pay. This final rule simplifies and b |
| Document number | 2026-17442 |

## Why this score
- Final rule.

Source: Federal Register API (Office of the Federal Register) (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/26/2026-17442/critical-position-pay-authority). Last refreshed: 2026-11-04T09:17:43.641Z.
Data from the Federal Register API; the published Federal Register document is authoritative. Informational only, not legal advice.