GS Pay Scale 2026 — Des Moines, IA
2026 GS pay scale for the Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality area (18.01% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers Des Moines, Ames, West Des Moines, and surrounding central Iowa communities.
The Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality rate of 18.01% ranks #51 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is among the lowest locality rates. The tradeoff is that Des Moines, IA generally has a lower cost of living than higher-paying areas. Rates range from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% (San Jose, CA). Covers Des Moines, Ames, West Des Moines, and surrounding central Iowa communities.
Major federal employers in Des Moines, IA include USDA, VA, IRS, USPS, Army National Guard. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Des Moines, IA but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Des Moines, IA GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Des Moines, IA 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 | $41,066 | $42,435 | $43,804 | $45,173 | $46,542 | $47,911 | $49,280 | $50,649 | $52,018 | $53,387 |
| GS-7 | $50,869 | $52,565 | $54,261 | $55,957 | $57,653 | $59,348 | $61,044 | $62,740 | $64,436 | $66,132 |
| GS-9 | $62,223 | $64,298 | $66,372 | $68,447 | $70,522 | $72,596 | $74,671 | $76,745 | $78,820 | $80,895 |
| GS-11 | $75,284 | $77,795 | $80,305 | $82,815 | $85,325 | $87,835 | $90,345 | $92,855 | $95,365 | $97,875 |
| GS-12 | $90,234 | $93,242 | $96,250 | $99,258 | $102,266 | $105,274 | $108,282 | $111,291 | $114,299 | $117,307 |
| GS-13 | $107,301 | $110,877 | $114,454 | $118,031 | $121,608 | $125,185 | $128,762 | $132,339 | $135,916 | $139,493 |
| GS-14 | $126,797 | $131,024 | $135,251 | $139,478 | $143,705 | $147,933 | $152,160 | $156,387 | $160,614 | $164,841 |
| GS-15 | $149,146 | $154,118 | $159,089 | $164,061 | $169,033 | $174,005 | $178,976 | $183,948 | $188,920 | $193,892 |
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Des Moines, IA Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality area.
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How Des Moines, IA Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Des Moines, IA +18.01% | Omaha, NE +18.23% | Kansas City, MO +18.97% | Minneapolis, MN +27.62% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $90,234 | $90,402 +$168 | $90,968 +$734 | $97,582 +$7,348 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $102,266 | $102,457 +$191 | $103,098 +$832 | $110,594 +$8,328 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $121,608 | $121,835 +$227 | $122,597 +$989 | $131,511 +$9,903 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $193,892 | $194,253 +$361 | $195,469 +$1,577 | $197,200* +$3,308 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Des Moines, IA.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Minneapolis, MN earn $8,328 more per year than those in Des Moines, IA, while those in Omaha, NE earn $191 more.
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Career Salary Growth in Des Moines, IA
A typical federal career progressing through the Des Moines, IA locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Des Moines, IA Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $50,869 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $62,223 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $75,284 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $96,250 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $121,608 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $164,841 |
Assumes career-ladder promotions every 2–3 years with satisfactory performance. Actual progression varies by position and agency.
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Frequently Asked Questions: GS Pay in Des Moines, IA
How much does a GS-12 make in Des Moines, IA in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality area earns between $90,234 (Step 1) and $117,307 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 18.01% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Des Moines, IA?
The Des Moines, IA locality pay adjustment is 18.01% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.1801 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $102,266.
How does Des Moines, IA federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Des Moines, IA has a 18.01% locality rate. Nearby areas include Omaha, NE (18.23%), Kansas City, MO (18.97%), Minneapolis, MN (27.62%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Des Moines, IA?
GS salaries in Des Moines, IA are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 18.01% locality, GS-15 Step 10 earns $193,892, which is below the cap.
Which federal agencies have offices in Des Moines, IA?
Major federal employers in the Des Moines, IA area include USDA, VA, IRS, USPS, Army National Guard. Covers Des Moines, Ames, West Des Moines, and surrounding central Iowa communities.
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 Des Moines, IA area at 18.01% reflects the local cost of labor.