GS Pay Scale 2026 — Dallas, TX
2026 GS pay scale for the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-OK locality area (27.26% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and extends into southern Oklahoma.
The Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-OK locality rate of 27.26% ranks #17 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 Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and extends into southern Oklahoma.
Major federal employers in Dallas, TX include VA, IRS, FAA, FBI, EPA Region 6, Naval Air Station Fort Worth. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Dallas, TX but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Dallas, TX GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Dallas, TX 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 | $44,285 | $45,761 | $47,238 | $48,714 | $50,190 | $51,666 | $53,143 | $54,619 | $56,095 | $57,571 |
| GS-7 | $54,857 | $56,685 | $58,514 | $60,343 | $62,172 | $64,000 | $65,829 | $67,658 | $69,487 | $71,315 |
| GS-9 | $67,100 | $69,338 | $71,575 | $73,812 | $76,049 | $78,287 | $80,524 | $82,761 | $84,998 | $87,235 |
| GS-11 | $81,186 | $83,892 | $86,599 | $89,306 | $92,013 | $94,720 | $97,426 | $100,133 | $102,840 | $105,547 |
| GS-12 | $97,307 | $100,551 | $103,795 | $107,038 | $110,282 | $113,526 | $116,770 | $120,014 | $123,258 | $126,502 |
| GS-13 | $115,711 | $119,568 | $123,426 | $127,283 | $131,140 | $134,997 | $138,855 | $142,712 | $146,569 | $150,426 |
| GS-14 | $136,736 | $141,294 | $145,853 | $150,411 | $154,970 | $159,528 | $164,086 | $168,645 | $173,203 | $177,762 |
| GS-15 | $160,836 | $166,198 | $171,559 | $176,921 | $182,282 | $187,644 | $193,005 | $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 Dallas, TX Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-OK locality area.
How Dallas, TX Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Dallas, TX +27.26% | Houston, TX +35.00% | Austin, TX +20.35% | San Antonio, TX +18.78% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $97,307 | $103,225 +$5,918 | $92,023 -$5,284 | $90,823 -$6,484 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $110,282 | $116,990 +$6,708 | $104,294 -$5,988 | $102,934 -$7,348 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $131,140 | $139,116 +$7,976 | $124,019 -$7,121 | $122,402 -$8,738 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 | $195,157 -$2,043 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Dallas, TX.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Houston, TX earn $6,708 more per year than those in Dallas, TX, while those in San Antonio, TX earn $7,348 less.
Career Salary Growth in Dallas, TX
A typical federal career progressing through the Dallas, TX locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Dallas, TX Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $54,857 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $67,100 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $81,186 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $103,795 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $131,140 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $177,762 |
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 Dallas, TX
How much does a GS-12 make in Dallas, TX in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-OK locality area earns between $97,307 (Step 1) and $126,502 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 27.26% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Dallas, TX?
The Dallas, TX locality pay adjustment is 27.26% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2726 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $110,282.
How does Dallas, TX federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Dallas, TX has a 27.26% locality rate. Nearby areas include Houston, TX (35.00%), Austin, TX (20.35%), San Antonio, TX (18.78%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Dallas, TX?
GS salaries in Dallas, TX are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 27.26% 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 Dallas, TX?
Major federal employers in the Dallas, TX area include VA, IRS, FAA, FBI, EPA Region 6, Naval Air Station Fort Worth. Covers the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and extends into southern Oklahoma.
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 Dallas, TX area at 27.26% reflects the local cost of labor.