GS Pay Scale 2026 — Charlotte, NC
2026 GS pay scale for the Charlotte-Concord, NC-SC locality area (19.67% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the Charlotte-Concord metropolitan area spanning parts of both North and South Carolina.
The Charlotte-Concord, NC-SC locality rate of 19.67% ranks #38 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 Charlotte-Concord metropolitan area spanning parts of both North and South Carolina.
Major federal employers in Charlotte, NC include VA, IRS, USPS, FBI, TSA. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Charlotte, NC but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Charlotte, NC GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Charlotte, NC 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 | $41,644 | $43,032 | $44,420 | $45,808 | $47,197 | $48,585 | $49,973 | $51,361 | $52,749 | $54,138 |
| GS-7 | $51,585 | $53,305 | $55,024 | $56,744 | $58,464 | $60,183 | $61,903 | $63,623 | $65,342 | $67,062 |
| GS-9 | $63,098 | $65,202 | $67,306 | $69,410 | $71,514 | $73,617 | $75,721 | $77,825 | $79,929 | $82,033 |
| GS-11 | $76,343 | $78,889 | $81,434 | $83,980 | $86,525 | $89,070 | $91,616 | $94,161 | $96,707 | $99,252 |
| GS-12 | $91,503 | $94,554 | $97,604 | $100,654 | $103,705 | $106,755 | $109,806 | $112,856 | $115,906 | $118,957 |
| GS-13 | $108,810 | $112,437 | $116,064 | $119,692 | $123,319 | $126,946 | $130,573 | $134,200 | $137,828 | $141,455 |
| GS-14 | $128,581 | $132,867 | $137,154 | $141,440 | $145,727 | $150,014 | $154,300 | $158,587 | $162,873 | $167,160 |
| GS-15 | $151,244 | $156,285 | $161,327 | $166,369 | $171,411 | $176,452 | $181,494 | $186,536 | $191,577 | $196,619 |
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Charlotte, NC Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Charlotte-Concord, NC-SC locality area.
How Charlotte, NC Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Charlotte, NC +19.67% | Raleigh, NC +22.24% | Atlanta, GA +23.79% | Richmond, VA +22.28% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $91,503 | $93,468 +$1,965 | $94,654 +$3,151 | $93,499 +$1,996 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $103,705 | $105,932 +$2,227 | $107,275 +$3,570 | $105,967 +$2,262 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $123,319 | $125,967 +$2,648 | $127,564 +$4,245 | $126,008 +$2,689 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $196,619 | $197,200* +$581 | $197,200* +$581 | $197,200* +$581 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Charlotte, NC.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Atlanta, GA earn $3,570 more per year than those in Charlotte, NC, while those in Raleigh, NC earn $2,227 more.
Career Salary Growth in Charlotte, NC
A typical federal career progressing through the Charlotte, NC locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Charlotte, NC Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $51,585 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $63,098 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $76,343 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $97,604 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $123,319 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $167,160 |
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 Charlotte, NC
How much does a GS-12 make in Charlotte, NC in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Charlotte-Concord, NC-SC locality area earns between $91,503 (Step 1) and $118,957 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 19.67% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Charlotte, NC?
The Charlotte, NC locality pay adjustment is 19.67% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.1967 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $103,705.
How does Charlotte, NC federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Charlotte, NC has a 19.67% locality rate. Nearby areas include Raleigh, NC (22.24%), Atlanta, GA (23.79%), Richmond, VA (22.28%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Charlotte, NC?
GS salaries in Charlotte, NC are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 19.67% locality, GS-15 Step 10 earns $196,619, which is below the cap.
Which federal agencies have offices in Charlotte, NC?
Major federal employers in the Charlotte, NC area include VA, IRS, USPS, FBI, TSA. Covers the Charlotte-Concord metropolitan area spanning parts of both North and South Carolina.
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 Charlotte, NC area at 19.67% reflects the local cost of labor.