Explore the Benefits of Working at CDC

Salaries and Wages

• General Schedule Overview
• General Schedule Pay Rates
• General Schedule (GS) Pay Tables
• Federal Wage System Pay Schedules

Note regarding Senior Biomedical Research Service (SBRS):

Salary for a SBRS member ranges from GS-15 to Executive Level 1 (EX-1). The Director, CDC, has the authority to determine the pay of SBRS members below EX-II, while pay between EX-II and EX-III must be approved by the Secretary, HHS.

SBRS members are NOT eligible for the Physicians Comparability Allowance (PCA), but are eligible for performance awards, recruitment, relocation, or retention bonuses. They may qualify for incentive cash awards on the same basis as other employees, with approval by the CDC Director. Only SBRS base pay is considered for retirement and insurance purposes.

Benefits

Federal benefits are among the best offered in the private and public sectors. Eligibility depends on the position held, and whether employment is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Select the respective link below for general information on benefits eligibility. You may also visit the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) benefits website for more information on federal benefits.

Incentives And Awards

• Periodic performance-based pay adjustments (within grade/step increases)
• Cost of Living Allowances (COLA)
• Special salary rates for selected positions
• Recruitment and relocation incentives
• Employee recognition through Incentive Awards Program

* Incentives and awards are not guaranteed.

11 Paid Holidays

Vacation, Personal, Sick, and Other Leave Programs

• 13 days of sick leave per year (4 hours accrued per pay period)
• Annual leave days per year for vacation or other personal use:
  • 13 days per year for 0-2 years of federal service (4 hours accrued per pay period)
  • 20 days per year for 3-14 years of federal service (6 hours accrued per pay period)
  • 26 days per year for 15+ years of federal service (8 hours accrued per pay period)
• Family-Friendly Leave Policies, with flexibility for events such as birth or adoption of a child, care of a sick family member, or care of yourself in response to a serious health condition or emergency.

Employee Assistance and Referral Programs

Employees and their immediate family members have access to confidential, professional counseling and referral services to help them manage life events (e.g., legal matters, finances, education, family matters, etc.)

Telework / Telecommute Programs

Designed for qualified persons in telework-eligible positions, to work from home on a recurring basis (up to 2 days a week) or non-recurring basis under special circumstances.

Continuing Education And Professional Development

• Innovative in-house training programs through CDC University
• Opportunity for external training (with approval and if funds are available)
• Extensive library of online courses and resources available 24×7

Comprehensive Medical Benefits

• Coverage available for employees, their spouses, and their dependent children under age 26
• Many options, including fee-for-service or HMO plans with costs shared by the government. (The government pays a substantial amount of the premium cost and the employee’s portion is paid through payroll deduction.)
• Medical examination is not required to obtain coverage
• No restrictions due to age, current health, or pre-existing medical condition
• Premiums as well as out-of-pocket costs can be paid with pre-tax dollars

Retirement Benefits

• Thrift Savings Plan, a 401(k)-type plan with choice of investment funds and government matching contributions up to 5%
• May be eligible for a defined benefit (based on years of employment and salary history)
• More information on the federal retirement plan is available at OPM’s website.

Life Insurance

• Group term life insurance
• Optional additional benefits
• More information on the federal life insurance program is available at OPM’s Life Insurance website.

Child Care

• Child care providers on or near the work site
• Child care tuition subsidy provided for lower-income employees

Lactation Support

The nationwide Lactation Support Program provides breastfeeding education, lactation support services, return-to-work consults, worksite lactation rooms (with hospital-grade breast pumps), and other resources for expectant and nursing mothers.

Flexible Spending Accounts

The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) is a pre-tax benefits program that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualifying medical, child care, or adult care expenses. More information on FSAs account is available from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on Flexible Spending Accounts or at FSAFEDS.com

There are three types of FSAs:

• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSA): Reimburses eligible non-medical day care and elder care for your children under age 13 and any dependents on your Federal tax return who are incapable of self-care and live with you for at least half of the year.
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA): Reimburses eligible health care expenses incurred by you, your spouse, and your children through the calendar year they turn 26. Reimburses the part of the expense NOT covered or reimbursed by FEHB, FEDVIP, or any other insurance coverage.
• Limited Expense HCFSA (LEX HCFSA) (only for those enrolled in or covered by a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account): Reimburses only eligible dental and vision expenses incurred by you, your spouse, and your children through the calendar year they turn 26. Reimburses the part of the expense NOT covered or reimbursed by FEHB, FEDVIP, or any other insurance coverage.

Flexible Work Schedules

Several options are available, some of which allow you to adjust your work hours to take a day off each pay period or, vary your daily arrival and departure times. Credit Time to earn time off in exchange for extra hours worked (requires approval).

Wellness and Fitness

• Innovative wellness programs
• Fitness centers and nutrition counseling
• Elder care and parenting support groups
• Eligibility for membership in the CDC Federal Credit Union
• Confidential referrals, resources, and professional counseling services for employees and qualified family members who may be facing personal or work-related problems

Community Subsidy Programs

Our GO!Card® Program allows reimbursement for use of public transportation (monthly maximum applies).