GS Pay Scale 2026 — Boston, MA
2026 GS pay scale for the Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT-ME-VT locality area (32.58% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the greater Boston area including Worcester, Providence (RI), and parts of New Hampshire and Maine.
The Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT-ME-VT locality rate of 32.58% ranks #7 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is one of the highest-paying localities, reflecting a significantly higher cost of labor compared to the national average. Rates range from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% (San Jose, CA). Covers the greater Boston area including Worcester, Providence (RI), and parts of New Hampshire and Maine.
Major federal employers in Boston, MA include VA, IRS, Coast Guard, EPA Region 1, Army Corps, FBI. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Boston, MA but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Boston, MA GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Boston, MA 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 | $46,137 | $47,674 | $49,212 | $50,750 | $52,288 | $53,826 | $55,364 | $56,902 | $58,440 | $59,978 |
| GS-7 | $57,150 | $59,055 | $60,960 | $62,865 | $64,771 | $66,676 | $68,581 | $70,486 | $72,391 | $74,297 |
| GS-9 | $69,905 | $72,236 | $74,567 | $76,898 | $79,228 | $81,559 | $83,890 | $86,221 | $88,552 | $90,882 |
| GS-11 | $84,579 | $87,399 | $90,219 | $93,039 | $95,859 | $98,679 | $101,499 | $104,319 | $107,139 | $109,959 |
| GS-12 | $101,375 | $104,754 | $108,134 | $111,513 | $114,893 | $118,272 | $121,651 | $125,031 | $128,410 | $131,790 |
| GS-13 | $120,548 | $124,567 | $128,585 | $132,604 | $136,622 | $140,641 | $144,659 | $148,678 | $152,696 | $156,715 |
| GS-14 | $142,452 | $147,201 | $151,950 | $156,699 | $161,448 | $166,197 | $170,946 | $175,695 | $180,444 | $185,193 |
| GS-15 | $167,560 | $173,146 | $178,731 | $184,317 | $189,902 | $195,488 | $197,200* | $197,200* | $197,200* | $197,200* |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Boston, MA Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT-ME-VT locality area.
How Boston, MA Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Boston, MA +32.58% | New York, NY +37.95% | Hartford, CT +32.08% | Albany, NY +20.77% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $101,375 | $105,481 +$4,106 | $100,992 -$383 | $92,344 -$9,031 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $114,893 | $119,546 +$4,653 | $114,459 -$434 | $104,658 -$10,235 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $136,622 | $142,156 +$5,534 | $136,107 -$515 | $124,452 -$12,170 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Boston, MA.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in New York, NY earn $4,653 more per year than those in Boston, MA, while those in Albany, NY earn $10,235 less.
Career Salary Growth in Boston, MA
A typical federal career progressing through the Boston, MA locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Boston, MA Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $57,150 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $69,905 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $84,579 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $108,134 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $136,622 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $185,193 |
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 Boston, MA
How much does a GS-12 make in Boston, MA in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT-ME-VT locality area earns between $101,375 (Step 1) and $131,790 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 32.58% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Boston, MA?
The Boston, MA locality pay adjustment is 32.58% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.3258 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $114,893.
How does Boston, MA federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Boston, MA has a 32.58% locality rate. Nearby areas include New York, NY (37.95%), Hartford, CT (32.08%), Albany, NY (20.77%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Boston, MA?
GS salaries in Boston, MA are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 32.58% 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 Boston, MA?
Major federal employers in the Boston, MA area include VA, IRS, Coast Guard, EPA Region 1, Army Corps, FBI. Covers the greater Boston area including Worcester, Providence (RI), and parts of New Hampshire and Maine.
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 Boston, MA area at 32.58% reflects the local cost of labor.