GS Pay Scale 2026 — Chicago, IL
2026 GS pay scale for the Chicago-Naperville, IL-IN-WI locality area (30.86% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the Chicagoland metro including Naperville and extends into Indiana and Wisconsin.
The Chicago-Naperville, IL-IN-WI locality rate of 30.86% ranks #11 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 Chicagoland metro including Naperville and extends into Indiana and Wisconsin.
Major federal employers in Chicago, IL include VA, IRS, FBI, EPA Region 5, USPS, Great Lakes Naval Station. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Chicago, IL but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Chicago, IL GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Chicago, IL 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 | $45,538 | $47,056 | $48,574 | $50,092 | $51,610 | $53,128 | $54,646 | $56,164 | $57,682 | $59,200 |
| GS-7 | $56,409 | $58,289 | $60,169 | $62,050 | $63,930 | $65,811 | $67,691 | $69,572 | $71,452 | $73,333 |
| GS-9 | $68,999 | $71,299 | $73,600 | $75,900 | $78,201 | $80,501 | $82,802 | $85,102 | $87,403 | $89,703 |
| GS-11 | $83,482 | $86,266 | $89,049 | $91,832 | $94,616 | $97,399 | $100,182 | $102,966 | $105,749 | $108,533 |
| GS-12 | $100,059 | $103,395 | $106,731 | $110,066 | $113,402 | $116,738 | $120,073 | $123,409 | $126,744 | $130,080 |
| GS-13 | $118,984 | $122,951 | $126,917 | $130,884 | $134,850 | $138,816 | $142,783 | $146,749 | $150,715 | $154,682 |
| GS-14 | $140,604 | $145,291 | $149,979 | $154,666 | $159,353 | $164,041 | $168,728 | $173,416 | $178,103 | $182,790 |
| GS-15 | $165,386 | $170,899 | $176,412 | $181,925 | $187,439 | $192,952 | $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 Chicago, IL Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Chicago-Naperville, IL-IN-WI locality area.
How Chicago, IL Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Chicago, IL +30.86% | Milwaukee, WI +22.42% | Minneapolis, MN +27.62% | Detroit, MI +29.12% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $100,059 | $93,606 -$6,453 | $97,582 -$2,477 | $98,729 -$1,330 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $113,402 | $106,088 -$7,314 | $110,594 -$2,808 | $111,894 -$1,508 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $134,850 | $126,153 -$8,697 | $131,511 -$3,339 | $133,057 -$1,793 |
| 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 Chicago, IL.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Detroit, MI earn $1,508 less per year than those in Chicago, IL, while those in Milwaukee, WI earn $7,314 less.
Career Salary Growth in Chicago, IL
A typical federal career progressing through the Chicago, IL locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Chicago, IL Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $56,409 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $68,999 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $83,482 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $106,731 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $134,850 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $182,790 |
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 Chicago, IL
How much does a GS-12 make in Chicago, IL in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Chicago-Naperville, IL-IN-WI locality area earns between $100,059 (Step 1) and $130,080 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 30.86% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Chicago, IL?
The Chicago, IL locality pay adjustment is 30.86% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.3086 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $113,402.
How does Chicago, IL federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Chicago, IL has a 30.86% locality rate. Nearby areas include Milwaukee, WI (22.42%), Minneapolis, MN (27.62%), Detroit, MI (29.12%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Chicago, IL?
GS salaries in Chicago, IL are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 30.86% 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 Chicago, IL?
Major federal employers in the Chicago, IL area include VA, IRS, FBI, EPA Region 5, USPS, Great Lakes Naval Station. Covers the Chicagoland metro including Naperville and extends into Indiana and Wisconsin.
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 Chicago, IL area at 30.86% reflects the local cost of labor.