GS (General Schedule) pay is covered by law and regulation. GS employees within the United States receive locality pay with the exception of employees in Alaska and Hawaii who receive COLA. There are 15 grades with 10 steps in each grade level, and generally, GS employees receive a pay raise the 1st pay period of each year. WG (Wage Grade) pay is determined by a survey conducted every 2 years to determine the prevailing rate for each type of work at each location. The agency conducting the survey collects relevant data from establishments in the private sector and uses the data to determine the prevailing rate for specific types of work at the locations. There are 15 grades with 5 steps in each grade level, and the rates are changed after the survey is conducted.