GS Pay Scale 2026 — Huntsville, AL
2026 GS pay scale for the Huntsville-Decatur, AL-TN locality area (21.91% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers Huntsville, Decatur, Albertville, and surrounding north Alabama communities. Major DOD/NASA hub.
The Huntsville-Decatur, AL-TN locality rate of 21.91% ranks #30 out of 58 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 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% (San Jose, CA). Covers Huntsville, Decatur, Albertville, and surrounding north Alabama communities. Major DOD/NASA hub.
Major federal employers in Huntsville, AL include Army (Redstone Arsenal), NASA Marshall, MDA, FBI, VA. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Huntsville, AL but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Huntsville, AL GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Huntsville, AL 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 | $42,423 | $43,838 | $45,252 | $46,666 | $48,080 | $49,494 | $50,908 | $52,323 | $53,737 | $55,151 |
| GS-7 | $52,551 | $54,302 | $56,054 | $57,806 | $59,558 | $61,310 | $63,062 | $64,813 | $66,565 | $68,317 |
| GS-9 | $64,279 | $66,423 | $68,566 | $70,709 | $72,852 | $74,995 | $77,139 | $79,282 | $81,425 | $83,568 |
| GS-11 | $77,772 | $80,366 | $82,959 | $85,552 | $88,145 | $90,738 | $93,331 | $95,924 | $98,517 | $101,110 |
| GS-12 | $93,216 | $96,324 | $99,431 | $102,539 | $105,646 | $108,753 | $111,861 | $114,968 | $118,076 | $121,183 |
| GS-13 | $110,847 | $114,542 | $118,237 | $121,932 | $125,627 | $129,322 | $133,017 | $136,712 | $140,407 | $144,102 |
| GS-14 | $130,987 | $135,354 | $139,721 | $144,088 | $148,455 | $152,821 | $157,188 | $161,555 | $165,922 | $170,289 |
| GS-15 | $154,075 | $159,211 | $164,347 | $169,483 | $174,619 | $179,755 | $184,891 | $190,027 | $195,163 | $197,200* |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Huntsville, AL Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Huntsville-Decatur, AL-TN locality area.
How Huntsville, AL Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Huntsville, AL +21.91% | Birmingham, AL +18.24% | Atlanta, GA +23.79% | Charlotte, NC +19.67% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $93,216 | $90,410 -$2,806 | $94,654 +$1,438 | $91,503 -$1,713 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $105,646 | $102,466 -$3,180 | $107,275 +$1,629 | $103,705 -$1,941 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $125,627 | $121,845 -$3,782 | $127,564 +$1,937 | $123,319 -$2,308 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $194,270 -$2,930 | $197,200* $0 | $196,619 -$581 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Huntsville, AL.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Atlanta, GA earn $1,629 more per year than those in Huntsville, AL, while those in Birmingham, AL earn $3,180 less.
Career Salary Growth in Huntsville, AL
A typical federal career progressing through the Huntsville, AL locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Huntsville, AL Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $52,551 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $64,279 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $77,772 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $99,431 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $125,627 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $170,289 |
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 Huntsville, AL
How much does a GS-12 make in Huntsville, AL in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Huntsville-Decatur, AL-TN locality area earns between $93,216 (Step 1) and $121,183 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 21.91% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Huntsville, AL?
The Huntsville, AL locality pay adjustment is 21.91% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2191 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $105,646.
How does Huntsville, AL federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Huntsville, AL has a 21.91% locality rate. Nearby areas include Birmingham, AL (18.24%), Atlanta, GA (23.79%), Charlotte, NC (19.67%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Huntsville, AL?
GS salaries in Huntsville, AL are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 21.91% 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 Huntsville, AL?
Major federal employers in the Huntsville, AL area include Army (Redstone Arsenal), NASA Marshall, MDA, FBI, VA. Covers Huntsville, Decatur, Albertville, and surrounding north Alabama communities. Major DOD/NASA hub.
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 Huntsville, AL area at 21.91% reflects the local cost of labor.