GS Pay Scale 2026 — New York, NY
2026 GS pay scale for the New York-Newark, NY-NJ-CT-PA locality area (37.95% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers New York City, Newark, and the tri-state metropolitan area including parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Second highest locality in the nation.
The New York-Newark, NY-NJ-CT-PA locality rate of 37.95% ranks #2 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is one of the highest-paying localities, reflecting a significantly higher cost of labor compared to the national average. Rates range from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% (San Jose, CA). Covers New York City, Newark, and the tri-state metropolitan area including parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Second highest locality in the nation.
Major federal employers in New York, NY include DHS (CBP, ICE), IRS, FBI, VA, USPS, SSA, DOJ (SDNY). Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from New York, NY but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
New York, NY GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the New York, NY 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 | $48,005 | $49,605 | $51,206 | $52,806 | $54,406 | $56,006 | $57,607 | $59,207 | $60,807 | $62,407 |
| GS-7 | $59,465 | $61,447 | $63,429 | $65,412 | $67,394 | $69,376 | $71,359 | $73,341 | $75,323 | $77,306 |
| GS-9 | $72,737 | $75,162 | $77,587 | $80,012 | $82,438 | $84,863 | $87,288 | $89,713 | $92,138 | $94,563 |
| GS-11 | $88,005 | $90,939 | $93,874 | $96,808 | $99,742 | $102,676 | $105,610 | $108,545 | $111,479 | $114,413 |
| GS-12 | $105,481 | $108,997 | $112,513 | $116,030 | $119,546 | $123,062 | $126,579 | $130,095 | $133,611 | $137,128 |
| GS-13 | $125,431 | $129,612 | $133,794 | $137,975 | $142,156 | $146,337 | $150,519 | $154,700 | $158,881 | $163,062 |
| GS-14 | $148,222 | $153,163 | $158,104 | $163,046 | $167,987 | $172,929 | $177,870 | $182,811 | $187,753 | $192,694 |
| GS-15 | $174,347 | $180,159 | $185,970 | $191,782 | $197,200* | $197,200* | $197,200* | $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 New York, NY Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the New York-Newark, NY-NJ-CT-PA locality area.
How New York, NY Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | New York, NY +37.95% | Philadelphia, PA +28.99% | Boston, MA +32.58% | Hartford, CT +32.08% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $105,481 | $98,630 -$6,851 | $101,375 -$4,106 | $100,992 -$4,489 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $119,546 | $111,781 -$7,765 | $114,893 -$4,653 | $114,459 -$5,087 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $142,156 | $132,923 -$9,233 | $136,622 -$5,534 | $136,107 -$6,049 |
| 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 New York, NY.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Boston, MA earn $4,653 less per year than those in New York, NY, while those in Philadelphia, PA earn $7,765 less.
Career Salary Growth in New York, NY
A typical federal career progressing through the New York, NY locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | New York, NY Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $59,465 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $72,737 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $88,005 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $112,513 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $142,156 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $192,694 |
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 New York, NY
How much does a GS-12 make in New York, NY in 2026?
A GS-12 in the New York-Newark, NY-NJ-CT-PA locality area earns between $105,481 (Step 1) and $137,128 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 37.95% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for New York, NY?
The New York, NY locality pay adjustment is 37.95% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.3795 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $119,546.
How does New York, NY federal pay compare to nearby areas?
New York, NY has a 37.95% locality rate. Nearby areas include Philadelphia, PA (28.99%), Boston, MA (32.58%), Hartford, CT (32.08%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in New York, NY?
GS salaries in New York, NY are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 37.95% 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 New York, NY?
Major federal employers in the New York, NY area include DHS (CBP, ICE), IRS, FBI, VA, USPS, SSA, DOJ (SDNY). Covers New York City, Newark, and the tri-state metropolitan area including parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Second highest locality in the nation.
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 New York, NY area at 37.95% reflects the local cost of labor.