GS Pay Scale 2026 — Atlanta, GA
2026 GS pay scale for the Atlanta--Athens-Clarke County--Sandy Springs, GA-AL locality area (23.79% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the Atlanta metropolitan area, Athens-Clarke County, Sandy Springs, and extends into Alabama.
The Atlanta--Athens-Clarke County--Sandy Springs, GA-AL locality rate of 23.79% ranks #20 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is a mid-range locality rate, balancing regional cost of living with the federal pay structure. Rates range from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% (San Jose, CA). Covers the Atlanta metropolitan area, Athens-Clarke County, Sandy Springs, and extends into Alabama.
Major federal employers in Atlanta, GA include CDC, FAA, VA, IRS, EPA Region 4, FBI. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Atlanta, GA but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Atlanta, GA GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Atlanta, GA locality area, including locality pay adjustment. All figures reflect 2026 OPM rates.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $43,078 | $44,514 | $45,950 | $47,386 | $48,822 | $50,258 | $51,693 | $53,129 | $54,565 | $56,001 |
| GS-7 | $53,361 | $55,140 | $56,919 | $58,698 | $60,476 | $62,255 | $64,034 | $65,813 | $67,592 | $69,371 |
| GS-9 | $65,271 | $67,447 | $69,623 | $71,799 | $73,976 | $76,152 | $78,328 | $80,504 | $82,681 | $84,857 |
| GS-11 | $78,972 | $81,605 | $84,238 | $86,871 | $89,504 | $92,137 | $94,770 | $97,403 | $100,036 | $102,669 |
| GS-12 | $94,654 | $97,809 | $100,964 | $104,120 | $107,275 | $110,431 | $113,586 | $116,741 | $119,897 | $123,052 |
| GS-13 | $112,556 | $116,308 | $120,060 | $123,812 | $127,564 | $131,316 | $135,069 | $138,821 | $142,573 | $146,325 |
| GS-14 | $133,007 | $137,442 | $141,876 | $146,310 | $150,744 | $155,178 | $159,612 | $164,047 | $168,481 | $172,915 |
| GS-15 | $156,451 | $161,666 | $166,881 | $172,097 | $177,312 | $182,527 | $187,742 | $192,958 | $197,200* | $197,200* |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Atlanta, GA Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Atlanta--Athens-Clarke County--Sandy Springs, GA-AL locality area.
How Atlanta, GA Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Atlanta, GA +23.79% | Charlotte, NC +19.67% | Birmingham, AL +18.24% | Huntsville, AL +21.91% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $94,654 | $91,503 -$3,151 | $90,410 -$4,244 | $93,216 -$1,438 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $107,275 | $103,705 -$3,570 | $102,466 -$4,809 | $105,646 -$1,629 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $127,564 | $123,319 -$4,245 | $121,845 -$5,719 | $125,627 -$1,937 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $196,619 -$581 | $194,270 -$2,930 | $197,200* $0 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Atlanta, GA.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Huntsville, AL earn $1,629 less per year than those in Atlanta, GA, while those in Birmingham, AL earn $4,809 less.
Career Salary Growth in Atlanta, GA
A typical federal career progressing through the Atlanta, GA locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Atlanta, GA Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $53,361 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $65,271 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $78,972 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $100,964 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $127,564 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $172,915 |
Assumes career-ladder promotions every 2–3 years with satisfactory performance. Actual progression varies by position and agency.
Browse GS Pay by Locality
Frequently Asked Questions: GS Pay in Atlanta, GA
How much does a GS-12 make in Atlanta, GA in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Atlanta--Athens-Clarke County--Sandy Springs, GA-AL locality area earns between $94,654 (Step 1) and $123,052 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 23.79% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Atlanta, GA?
The Atlanta, GA locality pay adjustment is 23.79% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2379 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $107,275.
How does Atlanta, GA federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Atlanta, GA has a 23.79% locality rate. Nearby areas include Charlotte, NC (19.67%), Birmingham, AL (18.24%), Huntsville, AL (21.91%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Atlanta, GA?
GS salaries in Atlanta, GA are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 23.79% locality, GS-15 Step 10 hits this cap — the calculated amount would be higher, but is limited to $197,200.
Which federal agencies have offices in Atlanta, GA?
Major federal employers in the Atlanta, GA area include CDC, FAA, VA, IRS, EPA Region 4, FBI. Covers the Atlanta metropolitan area, Athens-Clarke County, Sandy Springs, and extends into Alabama.
How is locality pay determined?
Locality pay is based on where you work (duty station), not where you live. The Federal Salary Council recommends adjustments based on surveys comparing federal and private-sector pay in each area. The Atlanta, GA area at 23.79% reflects the local cost of labor.