GS Pay Scale 2026 — Minneapolis, MN
2026 GS pay scale for the Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI locality area (27.62% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the Twin Cities metro area including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding Minnesota and Wisconsin communities.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI locality rate of 27.62% ranks #16 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is a mid-range locality rate, balancing regional cost of living with the federal pay structure. Rates range from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% (San Jose, CA). Covers the Twin Cities metro area including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding Minnesota and Wisconsin communities.
Major federal employers in Minneapolis, MN include VA, IRS, Army Corps, EPA, USPS, FBI. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Minneapolis, MN but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Minneapolis, MN GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Minneapolis, MN 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 | $44,410 | $45,891 | $47,371 | $48,852 | $50,332 | $51,812 | $53,293 | $54,773 | $56,254 | $57,734 |
| GS-7 | $55,012 | $56,846 | $58,680 | $60,514 | $62,347 | $64,181 | $66,015 | $67,849 | $69,683 | $71,517 |
| GS-9 | $67,290 | $69,534 | $71,777 | $74,021 | $76,264 | $78,508 | $80,752 | $82,995 | $85,239 | $87,482 |
| GS-11 | $81,415 | $84,130 | $86,844 | $89,559 | $92,273 | $94,988 | $97,702 | $100,417 | $103,131 | $105,845 |
| GS-12 | $97,582 | $100,835 | $104,088 | $107,341 | $110,594 | $113,847 | $117,100 | $120,353 | $123,606 | $126,859 |
| GS-13 | $116,038 | $119,907 | $123,775 | $127,643 | $131,511 | $135,379 | $139,247 | $143,116 | $146,984 | $150,852 |
| GS-14 | $137,123 | $141,694 | $146,265 | $150,837 | $155,408 | $159,979 | $164,551 | $169,122 | $173,693 | $178,265 |
| GS-15 | $161,291 | $166,668 | $172,045 | $177,421 | $182,798 | $188,174 | $193,551 | $197,200* | $197,200* | $197,200* |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Minneapolis, MN Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI locality area.
How Minneapolis, MN Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Minneapolis, MN +27.62% | Chicago, IL +30.86% | Milwaukee, WI +22.42% | Denver, CO +30.52% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $97,582 | $100,059 +$2,477 | $93,606 -$3,976 | $99,800 +$2,218 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $110,594 | $113,402 +$2,808 | $106,088 -$4,506 | $113,107 +$2,513 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $131,511 | $134,850 +$3,339 | $126,153 -$5,358 | $134,500 +$2,989 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Minneapolis, MN.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Chicago, IL earn $2,808 more per year than those in Minneapolis, MN, while those in Milwaukee, WI earn $4,506 less.
Career Salary Growth in Minneapolis, MN
A typical federal career progressing through the Minneapolis, MN locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Minneapolis, MN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $55,012 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $67,290 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $81,415 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $104,088 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $131,511 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $178,265 |
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 Minneapolis, MN
How much does a GS-12 make in Minneapolis, MN in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI locality area earns between $97,582 (Step 1) and $126,859 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 27.62% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Minneapolis, MN?
The Minneapolis, MN locality pay adjustment is 27.62% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2762 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $110,594.
How does Minneapolis, MN federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Minneapolis, MN has a 27.62% locality rate. Nearby areas include Chicago, IL (30.86%), Milwaukee, WI (22.42%), Denver, CO (30.52%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Minneapolis, MN?
GS salaries in Minneapolis, MN are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 27.62% 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 Minneapolis, MN?
Major federal employers in the Minneapolis, MN area include VA, IRS, Army Corps, EPA, USPS, FBI. Covers the Twin Cities metro area including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding Minnesota and Wisconsin communities.
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 Minneapolis, MN area at 27.62% reflects the local cost of labor.