GS Pay Scale 2026 — Detroit, MI
2026 GS pay scale for the Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor, MI locality area (29.12% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers Metro Detroit including Warren, Ann Arbor, and surrounding southeastern Michigan counties.
The Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor, MI locality rate of 29.12% ranks #14 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 Metro Detroit including Warren, Ann Arbor, and surrounding southeastern Michigan counties.
Major federal employers in Detroit, MI include VA, CBP, IRS, FBI, Army TACOM, USPS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Detroit, MI but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Detroit, MI GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Detroit, MI 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 | $44,932 | $46,430 | $47,928 | $49,426 | $50,924 | $52,421 | $53,919 | $55,417 | $56,915 | $58,413 |
| GS-7 | $55,658 | $57,514 | $59,369 | $61,225 | $63,080 | $64,936 | $66,791 | $68,647 | $70,502 | $72,358 |
| GS-9 | $68,081 | $70,351 | $72,621 | $74,891 | $77,161 | $79,431 | $81,701 | $83,971 | $86,241 | $88,510 |
| GS-11 | $82,372 | $85,118 | $87,865 | $90,611 | $93,358 | $96,104 | $98,850 | $101,597 | $104,343 | $107,090 |
| GS-12 | $98,729 | $102,020 | $105,312 | $108,603 | $111,894 | $115,185 | $118,477 | $121,768 | $125,059 | $128,350 |
| GS-13 | $117,402 | $121,316 | $125,230 | $129,143 | $133,057 | $136,970 | $140,884 | $144,798 | $148,711 | $152,625 |
| GS-14 | $138,734 | $143,359 | $147,984 | $152,610 | $157,235 | $161,860 | $166,485 | $171,110 | $175,735 | $180,360 |
| GS-15 | $163,187 | $168,627 | $174,067 | $179,506 | $184,946 | $190,386 | $195,826 | $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 Detroit, MI Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor, MI locality area.
How Detroit, MI Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Detroit, MI +29.12% | Chicago, IL +30.86% | Cleveland, OH +22.23% | Columbus, OH +22.15% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $98,729 | $100,059 +$1,330 | $93,461 -$5,268 | $93,400 -$5,329 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $111,894 | $113,402 +$1,508 | $105,923 -$5,971 | $105,854 -$6,040 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $133,057 | $134,850 +$1,793 | $125,957 -$7,100 | $125,874 -$7,183 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Detroit, MI.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Chicago, IL earn $1,508 more per year than those in Detroit, MI, while those in Columbus, OH earn $6,040 less.
Career Salary Growth in Detroit, MI
A typical federal career progressing through the Detroit, MI locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Detroit, MI Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $55,658 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $68,081 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $82,372 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $105,312 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $133,057 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $180,360 |
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 Detroit, MI
How much does a GS-12 make in Detroit, MI in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor, MI locality area earns between $98,729 (Step 1) and $128,350 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 29.12% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Detroit, MI?
The Detroit, MI locality pay adjustment is 29.12% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2912 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $111,894.
How does Detroit, MI federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Detroit, MI has a 29.12% locality rate. Nearby areas include Chicago, IL (30.86%), Cleveland, OH (22.23%), Columbus, OH (22.15%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Detroit, MI?
GS salaries in Detroit, MI are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 29.12% 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 Detroit, MI?
Major federal employers in the Detroit, MI area include VA, CBP, IRS, FBI, Army TACOM, USPS. Covers Metro Detroit including Warren, Ann Arbor, and surrounding southeastern Michigan 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 Detroit, MI area at 29.12% reflects the local cost of labor.