Progression start date determination
Table of Contents
How progression start dates are determined
Last updated: September 23, 2025
The progression start date (PSD) is the date from which a classified employee’s next automatic wage increase is calculated. Rules around PSDs are specified in collective bargaining agreements or the applicable Washington Administrative Code (WAC) for classified non-union employees.
The progression start date changes annually to the effective date of the base pay change or as a result of personnel actions such as promotion or reclassification.
How progression start dates are determined
Progression start dates for classified positions are managed as follows:
| Personnel action | Progression start date |
|---|---|
| New hire, rehire after layoff, promotion |
If the appointment is effective the 1st through the 15th of the month, the progression start date is set as the 1st of that month. If the appointment is effective the 16th through the end of the month, the progression start date is set as the 1st of the following month. |
| Lateral transfer, demotion |
When a lateral transfer or demotion occurs, the progression start date should not change. |
| Trial Service Reversion |
When a trial service reversion occurs, an employee’s progression start date should be reset to what it was in the original position that the employee is reverting to. If, based off the reset PSD, the employee would have been eligible for a progression increase in the original position they are reverting to, the employee should be given a progression increase as if the employee had never left the position. |
When is an employee eligible for a step increase?
The eligibility for a step increase is determined as follows:
| Employment program | Base salary step | Schedule of step increase |
|---|---|---|
| Classified Non-union |
Base salary set at the minimum step of the range Base salary is set above the minimum step of the range and below the top step of the range For employees in the regular C1 table, and base salary is at top step L |
Six months from PSD Twelve months from PSD Seventy-two months from PSD |
| Contract classified | Base salary is below the top step of the range | Twelve months from PSD |
Impact of unpaid time off
As of July 1, 2022 there is no effect on an employee’s progression start date resulting from the use unpaid time off during a month unless the employee is in a classified non-union position and is furloughed.