Hawaii Federal Pay at a Glance

GS-12 Step 5
$103,254
$3,971/biweekly
GS-13 Step 5
$122,783
$4,722/biweekly
Locality Rate
+19.15%
above base pay
GS-15 Step 10
$195,765
$7,529/biweekly

Hawaii Locality Pay in Context

The Hawaii (Outside Honolulu) locality rate of 19.15% ranks #36 out of 48 federal pay areas in 2026. This is a below-average locality rate. Federal employees here may find their pay stretches further due to lower cost of living. Rates range from 16.98% (Rest of U.S.) to 45.25% (San Jose, CA). Covers federal employees stationed in Hawaii. Major military installation hub in the Pacific.

Major federal employers in Hawaii include PACOM, Navy (Pearl Harbor), Marine Corps, VA, NPS, USDA. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Hawaii but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.

Hawaii GS Pay Table 2026

Annual salaries for federal employees in the Hawaii locality area, including locality pay adjustment. All figures reflect 2026 OPM rates.

GradeStep 1Step 2Step 3Step 4Step 5Step 6Step 7Step 8Step 9Step 10
GS-5$41,463$42,845$44,227$45,609$46,992$48,374$49,756$51,138$52,520$53,902
GS-7$51,361$53,073$54,785$56,497$58,210$59,922$61,634$63,346$65,058$66,770
GS-9$62,824$64,919$67,014$69,108$71,203$73,298$75,392$77,487$79,581$81,676
GS-11$76,012$78,546$81,080$83,615$86,149$88,683$91,218$93,752$96,286$98,821
GS-12$91,106$94,143$97,180$100,217$103,254$106,291$109,328$112,366$115,403$118,440
GS-13$108,337$111,949$115,560$119,171$122,783$126,394$130,006$133,617$137,229$140,840
GS-14$128,022$132,290$136,558$140,826$145,094$149,362$153,630$157,898$162,166$166,433
GS-15$150,587$155,606$160,626$165,646$170,666$175,685$180,705$185,725$190,745$195,765

Calculate Your Exact Hawaii Salary

Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Hawaii (Outside Honolulu) locality area.

Calculate Your GS Pay

2026 Pay: GS-15 Step 6

Locality: Hawaii (Outside Honolulu)
Base Annual
$147,449
Locality Adj. (+19.15%)
$28,236
Total Annual
$175,685
Biweekly
$6,757
Hourly: $84.18

About GS Pay

  • • Pay data effective 2026-01-11
  • • Biweekly pay assumes 26 pay periods per year
  • • Hourly rate calculated using 2,087 hours per year (OPM standard)
  • 49 locality areas available
  • • Salaries capped at Executive Schedule Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
  • • Paycheck breakdown is an estimate - actual deductions vary by individual circumstances

How Hawaii Compares to Nearby Localities

PositionHawaii
+19.15%
Los Angeles, CA
+32.30%
Seattle, WA
+27.60%
San Jose, CA
+45.25%
GS-12 Step 1$91,106$101,161
+$10,055
$97,567
+$6,461
$111,063
+$19,957
GS-12 Step 5$103,254$114,650
+$11,396
$110,577
+$7,323
$125,872
+$22,618
GS-13 Step 5$122,783$136,334
+$13,551
$131,491
+$8,708
$149,679
+$26,896
GS-15 Step 10$195,765$197,200*
+$1,435
$197,200*
+$1,435
$197,200*
+$1,435

* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Hawaii.

At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in San Jose, CA earn $22,618 more per year than those in Hawaii, while those in Seattle, WA earn $7,323 more.

Career Salary Growth in Hawaii

Here is how a typical federal career progresses in the Hawaii locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder:

TimelinePositionHawaii Salary
Year 1GS-7 Step 1$51,361
Year 3GS-9 Step 1$62,824
Year 5GS-11 Step 1$76,012
Year 7GS-12 Step 3$97,180
Year 12GS-13 Step 5$122,783
Year 20GS-14 Step 10$166,433

Assumes career-ladder promotions every 2-3 years with satisfactory performance. Actual progression varies by position and agency.

Related Federal Calculators

Browse GS Pay by Locality

Frequently Asked Questions: GS Pay in Hawaii

How much does a GS-12 make in Hawaii in 2026?

A GS-12 in the Hawaii (Outside Honolulu) locality area earns between $91,106 (Step 1) and $118,440 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 19.15% locality adjustment applied.

What is the locality pay percentage for Hawaii?

The Hawaii locality pay adjustment is 19.15% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.1915 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $103,254.

How does Hawaii federal pay compare to nearby areas?

Hawaii has a 19.15% locality rate. Nearby areas include Los Angeles, CA (32.30%), Seattle, WA (27.60%), San Jose, CA (45.25%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.

What is the GS pay cap in Hawaii?

GS salaries in Hawaii are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 19.15% locality, GS-15 Step 10 earns $195,765, which is below the cap.

Which federal agencies have offices in Hawaii?

Major federal employers in the Hawaii area include PACOM, Navy (Pearl Harbor), Marine Corps, VA, NPS, USDA. Covers federal employees stationed in Hawaii. Major military installation hub in the Pacific.

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 Hawaii area at 19.15% reflects the local cost of labor.