GS-13 Pay by Step and Locality (2026)
Senior individual contributor, team lead, or first-line supervisor in complex programs. Base pay $90,925 (Step 1) to $118,204 (Step 10); every step for every locality below.
GS-13 pay at a glance (2026)
Nationwide base pay and representative locality-adjusted figures. For the full 2026 GS pay scale (all 15 grades), see the GS Pay Guide 2026.
Who works at GS-13?
GS-13 is the most searched federal pay grade, representing senior-level subject matter experts and team leaders. Promotion from GS-12 to GS-13 is competitive — there is no automatic two-grade interval above GS-12. Many GS-13 positions involve significant program responsibility, contracting oversight, or supervisory duties.
Typical qualifications: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12. Competitive positions often require a demonstrated record of independent project leadership or technical expertise.
GS-13 pay by step (2026): all 10 steps
Base pay before any locality adjustment. Total pay = base × (1 + locality%).
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-13 | $90,925 | $93,956 | $96,987 | $100,018 | $103,049 | $106,080 | $109,111 | $112,142 | $115,173 | $118,204 |
Source: OPM General Schedule 2026, effective January 11, 2026. Step 1–3 increments occur after 1 year; Steps 4–6 after 2 years; Steps 7–10 after 3 years. All increases require a satisfactory (or better) performance rating.
GS-13 salary by locality (2026): top 5 areas
Total annual pay (base + locality) at Steps 1, 5, and 10.
| Locality area | Locality % | Step 1 | Step 5 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | +46.34% | $133,060 | $150,802 | $172,980 |
| New York, NY | +37.95% | $125,431 | $142,156 | $163,062 |
| Los Angeles, CA | +36.47% | $124,085 | $140,631 | $161,313 |
| Houston, TX | +35.00% | $122,749 | $139,116 | $159,575 |
| Washington, DC | +33.94% | $121,785 | $138,024 | $158,322 |
FedTools 2026 analysis of OPM salary tables. All 2026 locality areas available in the calculator below.
Promotion context
Promotions above GS-12 are competitive and not automatic. Within-grade step increases require satisfactory performance ratings and time-in-grade.
Calculate your GS-13 salary
Select your step and locality to see your exact pay breakdown — including biweekly paycheck, TSP impact, and what-if raise scenarios.
Frequently asked questions: GS-13 pay
What is the GS-13 pay range in 2026?
The GS-13 base pay range in 2026 is $90,925 (Step 1) to $118,204 (Step 10), before locality pay is added. With the lowest locality adjustment (Rest of U.S., 17.06%), total pay ranges from $106,437 to $138,370. In the Washington, DC area (33.94% locality), GS-13 earns $121,785 (Step 1) to $158,322 (Step 10).
How long does it take to advance from GS-13 Step 1 to Step 10?
Advancement through the 10 steps at GS-13 takes approximately 18 years with satisfactory performance ratings. Steps 1–3 require 1 year each (3 years total), Steps 4–6 require 2 years each (6 years total), and Steps 7–10 require 3 years each (12 years total), for a total of 18 years from Step 1 to Step 10.
What are the typical qualifications for a GS-13 position?
1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12. Competitive positions often require a demonstrated record of independent project leadership or technical expertise.
How does locality pay affect GS-13 salaries?
GS-13 salaries vary significantly by location. The 2026 locality multiplier ranges from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% (San Jose–San Francisco, CA). At Step 5, GS-13 total pay ranges from $120,629 (Rest of U.S.) to $150,802 (San Jose, CA) — a difference of $30,173.
What is the pay difference between GS-13 and GS-14?
In the Washington, DC area, a GS-13 Step 10 earns $158,322 compared to a GS-14 Step 1 at $143,913. That is a difference of -$14,409 upon promotion from GS-13 to GS-14, before any within-grade step adjustments.