GS Pay Scale 2026 — Denver, CO
2026 GS pay scale for the Denver-Aurora, CO locality area (30.52% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area including Jefferson, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties.
The Denver-Aurora, CO locality rate of 30.52% ranks #12 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 Denver-Aurora metropolitan area including Jefferson, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties.
Major federal employers in Denver, CO include VA, USGS, BLM, NPS, IRS, OPM, Buckley SFB. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Denver, CO but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Denver, CO GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Denver, 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 | $45,420 | $46,934 | $48,448 | $49,962 | $51,476 | $52,990 | $54,504 | $56,018 | $57,532 | $59,046 |
| GS-7 | $56,262 | $58,138 | $60,013 | $61,889 | $63,764 | $65,640 | $67,515 | $69,391 | $71,267 | $73,142 |
| GS-9 | $68,819 | $71,114 | $73,408 | $75,703 | $77,997 | $80,292 | $82,587 | $84,881 | $87,176 | $89,470 |
| GS-11 | $83,265 | $86,041 | $88,818 | $91,594 | $94,370 | $97,146 | $99,922 | $102,698 | $105,475 | $108,251 |
| GS-12 | $99,800 | $103,126 | $106,453 | $109,780 | $113,107 | $116,434 | $119,761 | $123,088 | $126,415 | $129,742 |
| GS-13 | $118,675 | $122,631 | $126,587 | $130,543 | $134,500 | $138,456 | $142,412 | $146,368 | $150,324 | $154,280 |
| GS-14 | $140,239 | $144,914 | $149,589 | $154,264 | $158,939 | $163,615 | $168,290 | $172,965 | $177,640 | $182,316 |
| GS-15 | $164,956 | $170,455 | $175,954 | $181,453 | $186,952 | $192,450 | $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 Denver, CO Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Denver-Aurora, CO locality area.
How Denver, CO Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Denver, CO +30.52% | Seattle, WA +31.57% | Minneapolis, MN +27.62% | Albuquerque, NM +18.33% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $99,800 | $100,602 +$802 | $97,582 -$2,218 | $90,479 -$9,321 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $113,107 | $114,017 +$910 | $110,594 -$2,513 | $102,544 -$10,563 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $134,500 | $135,582 +$1,082 | $131,511 -$2,989 | $121,938 -$12,562 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 | $194,417 -$2,783 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Denver, CO.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Seattle, WA earn $910 more per year than those in Denver, CO, while those in Albuquerque, NM earn $10,563 less.
Career Salary Growth in Denver, CO
A typical federal career progressing through the Denver, CO locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Denver, CO Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $56,262 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $68,819 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $83,265 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $106,453 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $134,500 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $182,316 |
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 Denver, CO
How much does a GS-12 make in Denver, CO in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Denver-Aurora, CO locality area earns between $99,800 (Step 1) and $129,742 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 30.52% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Denver, CO?
The Denver, CO locality pay adjustment is 30.52% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.3052 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $113,107.
How does Denver, CO federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Denver, CO has a 30.52% locality rate. Nearby areas include Seattle, WA (31.57%), Minneapolis, MN (27.62%), Albuquerque, NM (18.33%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Denver, CO?
GS salaries in Denver, CO are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 30.52% 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 Denver, CO?
Major federal employers in the Denver, CO area include VA, USGS, BLM, NPS, IRS, OPM, Buckley SFB. Covers the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area including Jefferson, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties.
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 Denver, CO area at 30.52% reflects the local cost of labor.