25 NCAC 01D .0211. SALARY RATE

(a)  The hiring rate of pay for a class, or trainee rate where applicable shall normally be paid a qualified new employee. When a special entry rate has been authorized, that rate may be paid a qualified new employee if the agency has made a decision to use the new rate.

(b)  A salary above the hiring rate (or applicable special entry rate) may be approved by the Office of State Human Resources on the initial appointment when:

(1)           extensive recruitment efforts have not produced qualified applicants; or

(2)           the applicant possesses exceptional qualifications above the minimum requirements of the class specification, and operational needs exist which justify filling the position at the salary above the minimum of the range.  The additional experience and training must be in the same or closely related area to that stated as acceptable in the class specification.  Up to five percent above the minimum rate may be considered for each qualifying year of directly related experience or education above the minimum requirements.

(c)  Appointments above the hiring rate shall be avoided if salary inequities will be created.  This shall be considered carefully in order to avoid present or future inequities.

(d)  If a specific salary limitation is published in the vacancy announcement because of lack of funds or equity considerations, the initial salary cannot be higher than posted.  However, if it is determined that a higher salary is warranted based on qualification, the agency may state this on the PD-105 and if funds are available at the time a permanent appointment is given, the salary may be adjusted at that time.

(e)  When an employee is given a permanent appointment after successful completion of either the probationary period or the trainee period, if the initial salary is at the hiring rate or trainee rate, it shall be increased to the minimum rate of the range and may be increased to a higher rate if the conditions in Paragraph (b) of this Rule are met.

(f)  If the salary is at an authorized special entry rate, it may be increased by five percent above the special entry rate.

(g)  If the employee is hired at a salary below an authorized special entry rate because the lower salary is sufficient to attract applicants but not sufficient to retain the employee once experience is gained, an adjustment up to the special entry rate may be made during or at the end of the probationary period or at such time as performance indicated that it is justified.

(h)  If the initial salary is above the hiring rate, the agency may elect to increase the salary by 5% or to a higher rate if the conditions in Paragraph (b) of this Rule are met.

(i)  Only with the prior approval of the State Human Resources Director and in well-documented cases which involve circumstances such as severe labor market conditions or extraordinary qualifications will salaries be considered which exceed the limits of this Section.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 126-4(2);

Eff. January 1, 1990;

Amended Eff. August 1, 1995; March 1, 1994; September 1, 1991; January 1, 1991.