GS Pay Scale 2026 — Fresno, CA
2026 GS pay scale for the Fresno-Madera-Hanford, CA locality area (17.65% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers Fresno, Madera, Hanford, and surrounding Central Valley communities.
The Fresno-Madera-Hanford, CA locality rate of 17.65% ranks #55 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is among the lowest locality rates. The tradeoff is that Fresno, CA 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 Fresno, Madera, Hanford, and surrounding Central Valley communities.
Major federal employers in Fresno, CA include VA, USDA, IRS, NPS, USFS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Fresno, CA but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Fresno, CA GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Fresno, CA 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 | $40,941 | $42,306 | $43,671 | $45,035 | $46,400 | $47,765 | $49,129 | $50,494 | $51,859 | $53,224 |
| GS-7 | $50,714 | $52,405 | $54,095 | $55,786 | $57,477 | $59,167 | $60,858 | $62,549 | $64,239 | $65,930 |
| GS-9 | $62,033 | $64,102 | $66,170 | $68,238 | $70,306 | $72,375 | $74,443 | $76,511 | $78,580 | $80,648 |
| GS-11 | $75,055 | $77,557 | $80,060 | $82,562 | $85,064 | $87,567 | $90,069 | $92,572 | $95,074 | $97,577 |
| GS-12 | $89,959 | $92,958 | $95,957 | $98,955 | $101,954 | $104,953 | $107,952 | $110,951 | $113,950 | $116,949 |
| GS-13 | $106,973 | $110,539 | $114,105 | $117,671 | $121,237 | $124,803 | $128,369 | $131,935 | $135,501 | $139,067 |
| GS-14 | $126,410 | $130,624 | $134,839 | $139,053 | $143,267 | $147,481 | $151,696 | $155,910 | $160,124 | $164,338 |
| GS-15 | $148,691 | $153,647 | $158,604 | $163,561 | $168,517 | $173,474 | $178,430 | $183,387 | $188,344 | $193,300 |
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Fresno, CA Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Fresno-Madera-Hanford, CA locality area.
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How Fresno, CA Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Fresno, CA +17.65% | Sacramento, CA +29.76% | San Jose, CA +46.34% | Los Angeles, CA +36.47% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $89,959 | $99,218 +$9,259 | $111,896 +$21,937 | $104,349 +$14,390 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $101,954 | $112,449 +$10,495 | $126,817 +$24,863 | $118,264 +$16,310 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $121,237 | $133,716 +$12,479 | $150,802 +$29,565 | $140,631 +$19,394 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $193,300 | $197,200* +$3,900 | $197,200* +$3,900 | $197,200* +$3,900 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Fresno, CA.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in San Jose, CA earn $24,863 more per year than those in Fresno, CA, while those in Sacramento, CA earn $10,495 more.
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Career Salary Growth in Fresno, CA
A typical federal career progressing through the Fresno, CA locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Fresno, CA Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $50,714 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $62,033 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $75,055 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $95,957 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $121,237 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $164,338 |
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 Fresno, CA
How much does a GS-12 make in Fresno, CA in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Fresno-Madera-Hanford, CA locality area earns between $89,959 (Step 1) and $116,949 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 17.65% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Fresno, CA?
The Fresno, CA locality pay adjustment is 17.65% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.1765 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $101,954.
How does Fresno, CA federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Fresno, CA has a 17.65% locality rate. Nearby areas include Sacramento, CA (29.76%), San Jose, CA (46.34%), Los Angeles, CA (36.47%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Fresno, CA?
GS salaries in Fresno, CA are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 17.65% locality, GS-15 Step 10 earns $193,300, which is below the cap.
Which federal agencies have offices in Fresno, CA?
Major federal employers in the Fresno, CA area include VA, USDA, IRS, NPS, USFS. Covers Fresno, Madera, Hanford, and surrounding Central Valley 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 Fresno, CA area at 17.65% reflects the local cost of labor.