GS Pay Scale 2026 — Burlington, VT
2026 GS pay scale for the Burlington-South Burlington-Barre, VT locality area (19.45% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers Burlington, South Burlington, and surrounding Chittenden County, Vermont.
The Burlington-South Burlington-Barre, VT locality rate of 19.45% ranks #40 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 Burlington, South Burlington, and surrounding Chittenden County, Vermont.
Major federal employers in Burlington, VT include VA, CBP, IRS, USPS, USDA. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Burlington, VT but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Burlington, VT GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Burlington, VT 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 | $41,567 | $42,953 | $44,339 | $45,724 | $47,110 | $48,496 | $49,881 | $51,267 | $52,652 | $54,038 |
| GS-7 | $51,490 | $53,207 | $54,923 | $56,640 | $58,356 | $60,073 | $61,789 | $63,506 | $65,222 | $66,939 |
| GS-9 | $62,982 | $65,082 | $67,182 | $69,282 | $71,382 | $73,482 | $75,582 | $77,682 | $79,782 | $81,882 |
| GS-11 | $76,203 | $78,744 | $81,285 | $83,825 | $86,366 | $88,907 | $91,447 | $93,988 | $96,529 | $99,069 |
| GS-12 | $91,335 | $94,380 | $97,425 | $100,469 | $103,514 | $106,559 | $109,604 | $112,649 | $115,693 | $118,738 |
| GS-13 | $108,610 | $112,230 | $115,851 | $119,472 | $123,092 | $126,713 | $130,333 | $133,954 | $137,574 | $141,195 |
| GS-14 | $128,344 | $132,623 | $136,902 | $141,180 | $145,459 | $149,738 | $154,016 | $158,295 | $162,574 | $166,853 |
| GS-15 | $150,966 | $155,998 | $161,031 | $166,063 | $171,095 | $176,128 | $181,160 | $186,193 | $191,225 | $196,258 |
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Burlington, VT Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Burlington-South Burlington-Barre, VT locality area.
How Burlington, VT Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Burlington, VT +19.45% | Albany, NY +20.77% | Boston, MA +32.58% |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $91,335 | $92,344 +$1,009 | $101,375 +$10,040 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $103,514 | $104,658 +$1,144 | $114,893 +$11,379 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $123,092 | $124,452 +$1,360 | $136,622 +$13,530 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $196,258 | $197,200* +$942 | $197,200* +$942 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Burlington, VT.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Boston, MA earn $11,379 more per year than those in Burlington, VT, while those in Albany, NY earn $1,144 more.
Career Salary Growth in Burlington, VT
A typical federal career progressing through the Burlington, VT locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Burlington, VT Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $51,490 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $62,982 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $76,203 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $97,425 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $123,092 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $166,853 |
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 Burlington, VT
How much does a GS-12 make in Burlington, VT in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Burlington-South Burlington-Barre, VT locality area earns between $91,335 (Step 1) and $118,738 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 19.45% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Burlington, VT?
The Burlington, VT locality pay adjustment is 19.45% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.1945 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $103,514.
How does Burlington, VT federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Burlington, VT has a 19.45% locality rate. Nearby areas include Albany, NY (20.77%), Boston, MA (32.58%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Burlington, VT?
GS salaries in Burlington, VT are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 19.45% locality, GS-15 Step 10 earns $196,258, which is below the cap.
Which federal agencies have offices in Burlington, VT?
Major federal employers in the Burlington, VT area include VA, CBP, IRS, USPS, USDA. Covers Burlington, South Burlington, and surrounding Chittenden County, Vermont.
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 Burlington, VT area at 19.45% reflects the local cost of labor.