GS Pay Scale 2026 — Laredo, TX
2026 GS pay scale for the Laredo, TX locality area (21.59% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the Laredo locality pay area along the South Texas border.
The Laredo, TX locality rate of 21.59% ranks #31 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 the Laredo locality pay area along the South Texas border.
Major federal employers in Laredo, TX include CBP, DHS, USDA, VA, USPS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Laredo, TX but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Laredo, TX GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Laredo, TX 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 | $42,312 | $43,723 | $45,133 | $46,543 | $47,954 | $49,364 | $50,775 | $52,185 | $53,596 | $55,006 |
| GS-7 | $52,413 | $54,160 | $55,907 | $57,654 | $59,402 | $61,149 | $62,896 | $64,643 | $66,391 | $68,138 |
| GS-9 | $64,111 | $66,248 | $68,386 | $70,523 | $72,661 | $74,799 | $76,936 | $79,074 | $81,211 | $83,349 |
| GS-11 | $77,568 | $80,155 | $82,741 | $85,327 | $87,913 | $90,499 | $93,086 | $95,672 | $98,258 | $100,844 |
| GS-12 | $92,971 | $96,071 | $99,170 | $102,269 | $105,369 | $108,468 | $111,567 | $114,667 | $117,766 | $120,865 |
| GS-13 | $110,556 | $114,241 | $117,926 | $121,612 | $125,297 | $128,983 | $132,668 | $136,353 | $140,039 | $143,724 |
| GS-14 | $130,644 | $134,999 | $139,354 | $143,710 | $148,065 | $152,420 | $156,776 | $161,131 | $165,486 | $169,842 |
| GS-15 | $153,670 | $158,793 | $163,915 | $169,038 | $174,161 | $179,283 | $184,406 | $189,528 | $194,651 | $197,200* |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Laredo, TX Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Laredo, TX locality area.
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How Laredo, TX Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Laredo, TX +21.59% | San Antonio, TX +18.78% | Corpus Christi, TX +17.63% | Houston, TX +35.00% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $92,971 | $90,823 -$2,148 | $89,943 -$3,028 | $103,225 +$10,254 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $105,369 | $102,934 -$2,435 | $101,937 -$3,432 | $116,990 +$11,621 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $125,297 | $122,402 -$2,895 | $121,217 -$4,080 | $139,116 +$13,819 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $195,157 -$2,043 | $193,267 -$3,933 | $197,200* $0 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Laredo, TX.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Houston, TX earn $11,621 more per year than those in Laredo, TX, while those in Corpus Christi, TX earn $3,432 less.
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Career Salary Growth in Laredo, TX
A typical federal career progressing through the Laredo, TX locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Laredo, TX Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $52,413 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $64,111 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $77,568 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $99,170 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $125,297 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $169,842 |
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 Laredo, TX
How much does a GS-12 make in Laredo, TX in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Laredo, TX locality area earns between $92,971 (Step 1) and $120,865 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 21.59% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Laredo, TX?
The Laredo, TX locality pay adjustment is 21.59% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2159 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $105,369.
How does Laredo, TX federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Laredo, TX has a 21.59% locality rate. Nearby areas include San Antonio, TX (18.78%), Corpus Christi, TX (17.63%), Houston, TX (35.00%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Laredo, TX?
GS salaries in Laredo, TX are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 21.59% 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 Laredo, TX?
Major federal employers in the Laredo, TX area include CBP, DHS, USDA, VA, USPS. Covers the Laredo locality pay area along the South Texas border.
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 Laredo, TX area at 21.59% reflects the local cost of labor.