Is it possible to get a raise faster than the SMART scheduled raises?

[ttdub]

My SF has a schedule for raises (like starting out at GS-7, 6 months later raise up to GS-9, 1 additional year GS-11, etc.)
Is it possible to speed up the raises/promotions or does the SF stick to the schedule strictly?

[Guest]

You use the phrase "SMART scheduled raises," but this is not a thing. Your salary potential depends solely on the pay system and practices of your SF. If you're on GS, you may be pretty rigidly locked in. If you're on a demo program or something else, it could be almost directly tied to your performance.

That said, there are typically some things you can do, like get a Masters degree, or depending on your job role, learn a foreign language. You can even justify a higher salary under GS if you move into a position that gives you more credit for relevant past experience.