GS Pay Scale 2026 — Austin, TX
2026 GS pay scale for the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX locality area (20.35% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area including Williamson and Hays counties.
The Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX locality rate of 20.35% ranks #35 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is a below-average locality rate. Federal employees here may find their pay stretches further due to lower cost of living. Rates range from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% (San Jose, CA). Covers the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area including Williamson and Hays counties.
Major federal employers in Austin, TX include IRS, VA, Army Futures Command, USPS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Austin, TX but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Austin, TX GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Austin, TX 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 | $41,881 | $43,277 | $44,673 | $46,069 | $47,465 | $48,861 | $50,257 | $51,653 | $53,049 | $54,445 |
| GS-7 | $51,878 | $53,608 | $55,337 | $57,066 | $58,796 | $60,525 | $62,255 | $63,984 | $65,714 | $67,443 |
| GS-9 | $63,457 | $65,573 | $67,688 | $69,804 | $71,920 | $74,036 | $76,151 | $78,267 | $80,383 | $82,499 |
| GS-11 | $76,777 | $79,337 | $81,897 | $84,457 | $87,017 | $89,577 | $92,136 | $94,696 | $97,256 | $99,816 |
| GS-12 | $92,023 | $95,091 | $98,159 | $101,226 | $104,294 | $107,362 | $110,430 | $113,497 | $116,565 | $119,633 |
| GS-13 | $109,428 | $113,076 | $116,724 | $120,372 | $124,019 | $127,667 | $131,315 | $134,963 | $138,611 | $142,259 |
| GS-14 | $129,311 | $133,622 | $137,933 | $142,244 | $146,555 | $150,866 | $155,177 | $159,488 | $163,799 | $168,110 |
| GS-15 | $152,103 | $157,173 | $162,244 | $167,314 | $172,385 | $177,455 | $182,525 | $187,596 | $192,666 | $197,200* |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Austin, TX Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX locality area.
How Austin, TX Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Austin, TX +20.35% | Dallas, TX +27.26% | Houston, TX +35.00% | San Antonio, TX +18.78% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $92,023 | $97,307 +$5,284 | $103,225 +$11,202 | $90,823 -$1,200 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $104,294 | $110,282 +$5,988 | $116,990 +$12,696 | $102,934 -$1,360 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $124,019 | $131,140 +$7,121 | $139,116 +$15,097 | $122,402 -$1,617 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 | $195,157 -$2,043 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Austin, TX.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Houston, TX earn $12,696 more per year than those in Austin, TX, while those in San Antonio, TX earn $1,360 less.
Career Salary Growth in Austin, TX
A typical federal career progressing through the Austin, TX locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Austin, TX Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $51,878 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $63,457 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $76,777 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $98,159 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $124,019 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $168,110 |
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 Austin, TX
How much does a GS-12 make in Austin, TX in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX locality area earns between $92,023 (Step 1) and $119,633 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 20.35% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Austin, TX?
The Austin, TX locality pay adjustment is 20.35% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2035 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $104,294.
How does Austin, TX federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Austin, TX has a 20.35% locality rate. Nearby areas include Dallas, TX (27.26%), Houston, TX (35.00%), San Antonio, TX (18.78%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Austin, TX?
GS salaries in Austin, TX are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 20.35% 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 Austin, TX?
Major federal employers in the Austin, TX area include IRS, VA, Army Futures Command, USPS. Covers the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area including Williamson and Hays counties.
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 Austin, TX area at 20.35% reflects the local cost of labor.