GS Pay Scale 2026 — Colorado Springs, CO
2026 GS pay scale for the Colorado Springs, CO locality area (20.15% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the Colorado Springs locality pay area, including major Front Range military and federal installations.
The Colorado Springs, CO locality rate of 20.15% ranks #36 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 Colorado Springs locality pay area, including major Front Range military and federal installations.
Major federal employers in Colorado Springs, CO include DOD, Air Force Academy, Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, VA. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Colorado Springs, CO but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Colorado Springs, CO GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Colorado Springs, CO 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 | $41,811 | $43,205 | $44,598 | $45,992 | $47,386 | $48,780 | $50,173 | $51,567 | $52,961 | $54,355 |
| GS-7 | $51,792 | $53,518 | $55,245 | $56,972 | $58,698 | $60,425 | $62,151 | $63,878 | $65,604 | $67,331 |
| GS-9 | $63,351 | $65,464 | $67,576 | $69,688 | $71,800 | $73,913 | $76,025 | $78,137 | $80,249 | $82,362 |
| GS-11 | $76,650 | $79,205 | $81,761 | $84,316 | $86,872 | $89,428 | $91,983 | $94,539 | $97,094 | $99,650 |
| GS-12 | $91,870 | $94,933 | $97,996 | $101,058 | $104,121 | $107,183 | $110,246 | $113,309 | $116,371 | $119,434 |
| GS-13 | $109,246 | $112,888 | $116,530 | $120,172 | $123,813 | $127,455 | $131,097 | $134,739 | $138,380 | $142,022 |
| GS-14 | $129,096 | $133,400 | $137,704 | $142,008 | $146,311 | $150,615 | $154,919 | $159,223 | $163,527 | $167,830 |
| GS-15 | $151,850 | $156,912 | $161,974 | $167,036 | $172,098 | $177,160 | $182,222 | $187,284 | $192,346 | $197,200* |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Colorado Springs, CO Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Colorado Springs, CO locality area.
Advertisement
How Colorado Springs, CO Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Colorado Springs, CO +20.15% | Denver, CO +30.52% | Albuquerque, NM +18.33% | Phoenix, AZ +22.45% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $91,870 | $99,800 +$7,930 | $90,479 -$1,391 | $93,629 +$1,759 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $104,121 | $113,107 +$8,986 | $102,544 -$1,577 | $106,114 +$1,993 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $123,813 | $134,500 +$10,687 | $121,938 -$1,875 | $126,184 +$2,371 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $197,200* $0 | $194,417 -$2,783 | $197,200* $0 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Colorado Springs, CO.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Denver, CO earn $8,986 more per year than those in Colorado Springs, CO, while those in Albuquerque, NM earn $1,577 less.
Advertisement
Career Salary Growth in Colorado Springs, CO
A typical federal career progressing through the Colorado Springs, CO locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Colorado Springs, CO Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $51,792 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $63,351 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $76,650 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $97,996 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $123,813 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $167,830 |
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 Colorado Springs, CO
How much does a GS-12 make in Colorado Springs, CO in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Colorado Springs, CO locality area earns between $91,870 (Step 1) and $119,434 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 20.15% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Colorado Springs, CO?
The Colorado Springs, CO locality pay adjustment is 20.15% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2015 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $104,121.
How does Colorado Springs, CO federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Colorado Springs, CO has a 20.15% locality rate. Nearby areas include Denver, CO (30.52%), Albuquerque, NM (18.33%), Phoenix, AZ (22.45%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Colorado Springs, CO?
GS salaries in Colorado Springs, CO are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 20.15% 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 Colorado Springs, CO?
Major federal employers in the Colorado Springs, CO area include DOD, Air Force Academy, Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, VA. Covers the Colorado Springs locality pay area, including major Front Range military and federal installations.
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 Colorado Springs, CO area at 20.15% reflects the local cost of labor.