Minneapolis, MN Federal Pay at a Glance

GS-12 Step 5
$107,942
$4,152/biweekly
GS-13 Step 5
$128,358
$4,937/biweekly
Locality Rate
+24.56%
above base pay
GS-15 Step 10
$197,200*
EL-IV cap

Minneapolis, MN Locality Pay in Context

The Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI locality rate of 24.56% ranks #15 out of 48 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 16.98% (Rest of U.S.) to 45.25% (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.

GradeStep 1Step 2Step 3Step 4Step 5Step 6Step 7Step 8Step 9Step 10
GS-5$43,346$44,791$46,235$47,680$49,125$50,570$52,015$53,460$54,905$56,350
GS-7$53,693$55,483$57,273$59,063$60,853$62,642$64,432$66,222$68,012$69,802
GS-9$65,677$67,867$70,056$72,246$74,436$76,626$78,815$81,005$83,195$85,385
GS-11$79,463$82,112$84,762$87,411$90,061$92,710$95,359$98,009$100,658$103,308
GS-12$95,242$98,417$101,592$104,767$107,942$111,117$114,293$117,468$120,643$123,818
GS-13$113,256$117,032$120,807$124,582$128,358$132,133$135,909$139,684$143,459$147,235
GS-14$133,835$138,296$142,758$147,220$151,682$156,143$160,605$165,067$169,529$173,990
GS-15$157,424$162,672$167,919$173,167$178,415$183,662$188,910$194,158$197,200*$197,200*

* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)

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.

Calculate Your GS Pay

2026 Pay: GS-15 Step 6

Locality: Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI
Base Annual
$147,449
Locality Adj. (+24.56%)
$36,213
Total Annual
$183,662
Biweekly
$7,064
Hourly: $88.00

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 Minneapolis, MN Compares to Nearby Localities

PositionMinneapolis, MN
+24.56%
Chicago, IL
+28.53%
Milwaukee, WI
+20.99%
Denver, CO
+25.18%
GS-12 Step 1$95,242$98,278
+$3,036
$92,513
-$2,729
$95,716
+$474
GS-12 Step 5$107,942$111,383
+$3,441
$104,849
-$3,093
$108,480
+$538
GS-13 Step 5$128,358$132,449
+$4,091
$124,679
-$3,679
$128,997
+$639
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 $3,441 more per year than those in Minneapolis, MN, while those in Milwaukee, WI earn $3,093 less.

Career Salary Growth in Minneapolis, MN

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

TimelinePositionMinneapolis, MN Salary
Year 1GS-7 Step 1$53,693
Year 3GS-9 Step 1$65,677
Year 5GS-11 Step 1$79,463
Year 7GS-12 Step 3$101,592
Year 12GS-13 Step 5$128,358
Year 20GS-14 Step 10$173,990

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 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 $95,242 (Step 1) and $123,818 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 24.56% locality adjustment applied.

What is the locality pay percentage for Minneapolis, MN?

The Minneapolis, MN locality pay adjustment is 24.56% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2456 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $107,942.

How does Minneapolis, MN federal pay compare to nearby areas?

Minneapolis, MN has a 24.56% locality rate. Nearby areas include Chicago, IL (28.53%), Milwaukee, WI (20.99%), Denver, CO (25.18%). 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 24.56% 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 24.56% reflects the local cost of labor.