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GS Pay Calculator
Calculate your General Schedule (GS) federal salary including base pay, step increases, and locality adjustments for all 58 locality areas.
Calculate Your Pay
Your Estimated Pay
Base Pay (Annual)
$22,584
Locality Adjustment
+$0
Total Annual Pay
$22,584
$1,882 monthly · $869 bi-weekly
GS Pay Scale Quick Reference
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 5 | Step 10 | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | $22,584 | $25,589 | $28,248 | Entry Level / Internship |
| GS-3 | $27,708 | $31,404 | $36,024 | Entry Level / Internship |
| GS-5 | $34,799 | $39,439 | $45,239 | Clerical / Technical |
| GS-7 | $43,106 | $48,854 | $56,039 | Clerical / Technical |
| GS-9 | $52,727 | $59,759 | $68,549 | Professional / Journeyman |
| GS-11 | $63,795 | $72,303 | $82,938 | Professional / Journeyman |
| GS-13 | $90,925 | $103,049 | $118,204 | Supervisory / Advanced |
| GS-15 | $126,384 | $143,236 | $164,301 | Senior Executive |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GS pay scale?
The General Schedule (GS) pay scale is the primary pay system for most federal civilian employees. It consists of 15 grades (GS-1 through GS-15), each with 10 steps. Your grade is determined by your position's responsibilities and qualifications, while steps represent longevity within a grade.
How is locality pay calculated?
Locality pay is an adjustment added to your base GS pay based on your work location. It accounts for differences in cost of living across metropolitan areas. The adjustment percentage varies by locality area, ranging from about 17% to 46% above base pay.
What is the difference between GS grade and step?
Your GS grade reflects the level of your position (responsibility, complexity, qualifications). Your step reflects your longevity within that grade. You automatically advance one step each year for the first 3 steps, then every 2 years for steps 4-6, then every 3 years for steps 7-10.
Do federal employees get raises every year?
Federal employees may receive within-grade increases (step increases) based on time in position, plus annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) set by Congress. Step increases happen automatically if you maintain satisfactory performance.
How much can I expect to earn as a federal employee?
Your total compensation includes base pay plus locality adjustment, plus benefits like health insurance, retirement (FERS), life insurance, and leave. Entry-level positions typically start at GS-5 to GS-7, while senior positions can reach GS-15 with total compensation exceeding $200,000.