GS Pay Calculator 2026
Calculate your General Schedule (GS) pay based on grade, step, and locality. Includes what-if raise scenarios and biweekly paycheck breakdown with tax estimates.
How Federal GS Pay Works
The General Schedule (GS) is the predominant pay scale for federal employees, covering approximately 1.5 million workers across all agencies. Your GS salary depends on three factors: grade (GS-1 through GS-15),step (1-10 within each grade), and locality (geographic area adjustment).
The formula is simple: Total Pay = Base Pay × (1 + Locality %). For 2026, base pay increased by 1% with locality rates frozen at 2025 levels. Locality percentages range from 17.06% (Rest of US) to 45.25% (San Jose-San Francisco). The highest possible GS salary is capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026).
2026 GS Pay Scale Highlights
| Grade | Step 1 (Base) | Step 10 (Base) | DC Locality Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | $43,106 | $56,039 | $75,059 |
| GS-9 | $52,727 | $68,549 | $91,815 |
| GS-11 | $63,795 | $82,938 | $111,087 |
| GS-12 | $76,463 | $99,404 | $133,142 |
| GS-13 | $90,925 | $118,204 | $158,322 |
| GS-14 | $107,446 | $139,684 | $187,093 |
| GS-15 | $126,384 | $164,301 | $197,200* |
* Capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 for 2026)
Step Progression Timeline
Within-grade step increases (WGIs) occur automatically based on satisfactory performance. From Step 1 to Step 10 takes 18 years: Steps 1-3 require 1 year each, Steps 4-6 require 2 years each, and Steps 7-10 require 3 years each. Each step increase is approximately a 3% raise.
GS Pay vs Private Sector
According to the Federal Salary Council, GS employees earn approximately 22-27% less than private sector counterparts in comparable positions. However, total compensation tells a different story when you factor in federal benefits:
- FERS Pension: 1% to 1.1% of your high-3 salary per year of service (worth $300K-$800K+ at retirement)
- TSP Matching: Up to 5% government match on your contributions (free money)
- FEHB Health Insurance: Government pays 72-75% of premiums, continues into retirement
- Job Security: RIF procedures provide significant protection compared to at-will employment
- Leave: 13-26 days annual leave + 13 sick days + 11 paid holidays
Example: 20-Year Career Salary Growth
A federal employee starting as GS-9 Step 1 in Washington, DC could see their career progress like this:
| Year | Position | DC Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-9 Step 1 | $70,623 |
| Year 3 | GS-11 Step 1 (promoted) | $85,447 |
| Year 5 | GS-12 Step 3 (promoted) | $109,243 |
| Year 10 | GS-13 Step 5 | $138,024 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $187,093 |
This assumes promotions every 2-3 years, which is common in career-ladder positions. Use the calculator below to model your own trajectory.
2026 Locality Pay Rates by Area
Locality pay significantly impacts your take-home salary. Here are the top localities and what a GS-12 Step 5 earns in each:
| Locality Area | Locality % | GS-12 Step 5 | GS-13 Step 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-San Francisco, CA | 45.25% | $125,872 | $149,679 |
| New York, NY | 36.16% | $117,995 | $140,312 |
| Washington, DC | 33.94% | $116,071 | $138,024 |
| Houston, TX | 32.55% | $114,867 | $136,591 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 32.30% | $114,650 | $136,334 |
| Seattle, WA | 27.60% | $110,577 | $131,491 |
| Denver, CO | 25.18% | $108,480 | $128,997 |
| Rest of US (default) | 17.06% | $101,443 | $120,629 |
Use the calculator below to see exact salaries for all 58 locality areas and any grade/step combination.
Calculate Your GS Pay
2026 Pay: GS-15 Step 6
Locality: Washington-Baltimore-Arlington, DC-MD-VA-WV-PABase Annual
$147,449
Locality Adj. (+33.94%)
$50,044
Total Annual
$197,200*
* Capped at Executive Level IV
Biweekly
$7,585
Hourly: $94.49
About GS Pay
- • Pay data effective 2026-01-11
- • Biweekly pay assumes 26 pay periods per year
- • Hourly rate calculated using 2,087 hours per year (OPM standard)
- • 49 locality areas available
- • Salaries capped at Executive Schedule Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
- • Paycheck breakdown is an estimate - actual deductions vary by individual circumstances
2026 Federal Benefits Cheat Sheet
Download our free 1-page PDF with GS pay ranges, TSP limits, FERS formula, and key dates.
Want the Full 2026 GS Pay Tables?
Base pay for all 15 grades, top locality rates, step progression timelines, and pay cap rules.
Plan Your FERS Retirement
Your GS salary directly determines your pension. Estimate your FERS annuity based on your high-3 salary, years of service, and retirement age.