GS Pay Scale 2026 — Dayton, OH
2026 GS pay scale for the Dayton-Springfield-Kettering, OH locality area (21.42% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers Dayton, Springfield, Sidney, and surrounding southwest Ohio communities. Major Air Force hub.
The Dayton-Springfield-Kettering, OH locality rate of 21.42% ranks #32 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 Dayton, Springfield, Sidney, and surrounding southwest Ohio communities. Major Air Force hub.
Major federal employers in Dayton, OH include Wright-Patterson AFB, VA, DFAS, IRS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Dayton, OH but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Dayton, OH GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Dayton, OH 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 | $42,253 | $43,661 | $45,070 | $46,478 | $47,887 | $49,295 | $50,704 | $52,112 | $53,521 | $54,929 |
| GS-7 | $52,339 | $54,084 | $55,829 | $57,574 | $59,319 | $61,063 | $62,808 | $64,553 | $66,298 | $68,043 |
| GS-9 | $64,021 | $66,156 | $68,290 | $70,425 | $72,559 | $74,694 | $76,829 | $78,963 | $81,098 | $83,232 |
| GS-11 | $77,460 | $80,042 | $82,625 | $85,208 | $87,790 | $90,373 | $92,956 | $95,538 | $98,121 | $100,703 |
| GS-12 | $92,841 | $95,936 | $99,031 | $102,126 | $105,221 | $108,316 | $111,411 | $114,506 | $117,601 | $120,696 |
| GS-13 | $110,401 | $114,081 | $117,762 | $121,442 | $125,122 | $128,802 | $132,483 | $136,163 | $139,843 | $143,523 |
| GS-14 | $130,461 | $134,810 | $139,159 | $143,509 | $147,858 | $152,207 | $156,557 | $160,906 | $165,255 | $169,604 |
| GS-15 | $153,455 | $158,571 | $163,686 | $168,802 | $173,917 | $179,033 | $184,148 | $189,263 | $194,379 | $197,200* |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Dayton, OH Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Dayton-Springfield-Kettering, OH locality area.
How Dayton, OH Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Dayton, OH +21.42% | Columbus, OH +22.15% | Cincinnati, OH +21.93% | Indianapolis, IN +18.15% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $92,841 | $93,400 +$559 | $93,231 +$390 | $90,341 -$2,500 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $105,221 | $105,854 +$633 | $105,663 +$442 | $102,388 -$2,833 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $125,122 | $125,874 +$752 | $125,648 +$526 | $121,752 -$3,370 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 | $194,122 -$3,078 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Dayton, OH.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Columbus, OH earn $633 more per year than those in Dayton, OH, while those in Indianapolis, IN earn $2,833 less.
Career Salary Growth in Dayton, OH
A typical federal career progressing through the Dayton, OH locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Dayton, OH Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $52,339 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $64,021 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $77,460 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $99,031 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $125,122 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $169,604 |
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 Dayton, OH
How much does a GS-12 make in Dayton, OH in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Dayton-Springfield-Kettering, OH locality area earns between $92,841 (Step 1) and $120,696 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 21.42% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Dayton, OH?
The Dayton, OH locality pay adjustment is 21.42% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2142 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $105,221.
How does Dayton, OH federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Dayton, OH has a 21.42% locality rate. Nearby areas include Columbus, OH (22.15%), Cincinnati, OH (21.93%), Indianapolis, IN (18.15%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Dayton, OH?
GS salaries in Dayton, OH are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 21.42% 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 Dayton, OH?
Major federal employers in the Dayton, OH area include Wright-Patterson AFB, VA, DFAS, IRS. Covers Dayton, Springfield, Sidney, and surrounding southwest Ohio communities. Major Air Force hub.
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 Dayton, OH area at 21.42% reflects the local cost of labor.