5 U.S.C. § 10204 - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 5. Government Organization and Employees § 10204. Rate of pay for original appointments

(a) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (b), all original appointments shall be made at the minimum rate of basic pay for the Officer rank set forth in the schedule in section 10203.

(b) Exception for superior qualifications or special need.--The Director of the United States Secret Service or the designee of the Director may appoint an individual at a rate above the minimum rate of basic pay for the Officer rank based on the individual's superior qualifications or a special need of the Government for the individual's services.