GS Pay Scale 2026 — Kansas City, MO
2026 GS pay scale for the Kansas City-Overland Park-Kansas City, MO-KS locality area (18.97% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the Kansas City metro area spanning both Missouri and Kansas.
The Kansas City-Overland Park-Kansas City, MO-KS locality rate of 18.97% ranks #43 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is among the lowest locality rates. The tradeoff is that Kansas City, MO 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 the Kansas City metro area spanning both Missouri and Kansas.
Major federal employers in Kansas City, MO include GSA, VA, IRS, Army Corps, USPS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Kansas City, MO but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Kansas City, MO GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Kansas City, MO 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 | $41,400 | $42,780 | $44,160 | $45,541 | $46,921 | $48,301 | $49,681 | $51,061 | $52,441 | $53,821 |
| GS-7 | $51,283 | $52,993 | $54,702 | $56,412 | $58,122 | $59,831 | $61,541 | $63,250 | $64,960 | $66,670 |
| GS-9 | $62,729 | $64,821 | $66,912 | $69,004 | $71,095 | $73,187 | $75,278 | $77,370 | $79,461 | $81,553 |
| GS-11 | $75,897 | $78,427 | $80,958 | $83,488 | $86,019 | $88,549 | $91,080 | $93,610 | $96,141 | $98,671 |
| GS-12 | $90,968 | $94,001 | $97,033 | $100,066 | $103,098 | $106,131 | $109,163 | $112,196 | $115,228 | $118,261 |
| GS-13 | $108,173 | $111,779 | $115,385 | $118,991 | $122,597 | $126,203 | $129,809 | $133,415 | $137,021 | $140,627 |
| GS-14 | $127,829 | $132,090 | $136,352 | $140,613 | $144,875 | $149,136 | $153,398 | $157,659 | $161,921 | $166,182 |
| GS-15 | $150,359 | $155,371 | $160,383 | $165,396 | $170,408 | $175,420 | $180,432 | $185,444 | $190,457 | $195,469 |
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Kansas City, MO Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Kansas City-Overland Park-Kansas City, MO-KS locality area.
How Kansas City, MO Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Kansas City, MO +18.97% | St. Louis, MO +20.03% | Omaha, NE +18.23% | Dallas, TX +27.26% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $90,968 | $91,779 +$811 | $90,402 -$566 | $97,307 +$6,339 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $103,098 | $104,017 +$919 | $102,457 -$641 | $110,282 +$7,184 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $122,597 | $123,690 +$1,093 | $121,835 -$762 | $131,140 +$8,543 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $195,469 | $197,200* +$1,731 | $194,253 -$1,216 | $197,200* +$1,731 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Kansas City, MO.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Dallas, TX earn $7,184 more per year than those in Kansas City, MO, while those in Omaha, NE earn $641 less.
Career Salary Growth in Kansas City, MO
A typical federal career progressing through the Kansas City, MO locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Kansas City, MO Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $51,283 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $62,729 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $75,897 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $97,033 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $122,597 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $166,182 |
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 Kansas City, MO
How much does a GS-12 make in Kansas City, MO in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Kansas City-Overland Park-Kansas City, MO-KS locality area earns between $90,968 (Step 1) and $118,261 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 18.97% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Kansas City, MO?
The Kansas City, MO locality pay adjustment is 18.97% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.1897 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $103,098.
How does Kansas City, MO federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Kansas City, MO has a 18.97% locality rate. Nearby areas include St. Louis, MO (20.03%), Omaha, NE (18.23%), Dallas, TX (27.26%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Kansas City, MO?
GS salaries in Kansas City, MO are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 18.97% locality, GS-15 Step 10 earns $195,469, which is below the cap.
Which federal agencies have offices in Kansas City, MO?
Major federal employers in the Kansas City, MO area include GSA, VA, IRS, Army Corps, USPS. Covers the Kansas City metro area spanning both Missouri and Kansas.
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 Kansas City, MO area at 18.97% reflects the local cost of labor.