GS Pay Scale 2026 — Omaha, NE
2026 GS pay scale for the Omaha-Council Bluffs-Fremont, NE-IA locality area (18.23% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers Omaha, Council Bluffs (IA), Fremont, and surrounding metro area.
The Omaha-Council Bluffs-Fremont, NE-IA locality rate of 18.23% ranks #49 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is among the lowest locality rates. The tradeoff is that Omaha, NE 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 Omaha, Council Bluffs (IA), Fremont, and surrounding metro area.
Major federal employers in Omaha, NE include STRATCOM (Offutt AFB), VA, IRS, USPS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Omaha, NE but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Omaha, NE GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Omaha, NE 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 | $41,143 | $42,514 | $43,886 | $45,257 | $46,629 | $48,000 | $49,372 | $50,743 | $52,115 | $53,486 |
| GS-7 | $50,964 | $52,663 | $54,362 | $56,061 | $57,760 | $59,459 | $61,158 | $62,857 | $64,556 | $66,255 |
| GS-9 | $62,339 | $64,418 | $66,496 | $68,575 | $70,653 | $72,732 | $74,810 | $76,889 | $78,967 | $81,045 |
| GS-11 | $75,425 | $77,940 | $80,454 | $82,969 | $85,484 | $87,999 | $90,513 | $93,028 | $95,543 | $98,058 |
| GS-12 | $90,402 | $93,416 | $96,430 | $99,443 | $102,457 | $105,471 | $108,484 | $111,498 | $114,512 | $117,525 |
| GS-13 | $107,501 | $111,084 | $114,668 | $118,251 | $121,835 | $125,418 | $129,002 | $132,585 | $136,169 | $139,753 |
| GS-14 | $127,033 | $131,268 | $135,503 | $139,738 | $143,973 | $148,208 | $152,443 | $156,678 | $160,913 | $165,148 |
| GS-15 | $149,424 | $154,405 | $159,386 | $164,367 | $169,348 | $174,329 | $179,310 | $184,291 | $189,272 | $194,253 |
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Omaha, NE Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Omaha-Council Bluffs-Fremont, NE-IA locality area.
How Omaha, NE Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Omaha, NE +18.23% | Kansas City, MO +18.97% | Minneapolis, MN +27.62% | Denver, CO +30.52% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $90,402 | $90,968 +$566 | $97,582 +$7,180 | $99,800 +$9,398 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $102,457 | $103,098 +$641 | $110,594 +$8,137 | $113,107 +$10,650 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $121,835 | $122,597 +$762 | $131,511 +$9,676 | $134,500 +$12,665 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $194,253 | $195,469 +$1,216 | $197,200* +$2,947 | $197,200* +$2,947 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Omaha, NE.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Denver, CO earn $10,650 more per year than those in Omaha, NE, while those in Kansas City, MO earn $641 more.
Career Salary Growth in Omaha, NE
A typical federal career progressing through the Omaha, NE locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Omaha, NE Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $50,964 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $62,339 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $75,425 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $96,430 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $121,835 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $165,148 |
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 Omaha, NE
How much does a GS-12 make in Omaha, NE in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Omaha-Council Bluffs-Fremont, NE-IA locality area earns between $90,402 (Step 1) and $117,525 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 18.23% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Omaha, NE?
The Omaha, NE locality pay adjustment is 18.23% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.1823 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $102,457.
How does Omaha, NE federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Omaha, NE has a 18.23% locality rate. Nearby areas include Kansas City, MO (18.97%), Minneapolis, MN (27.62%), 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 Omaha, NE?
GS salaries in Omaha, NE are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 18.23% locality, GS-15 Step 10 earns $194,253, which is below the cap.
Which federal agencies have offices in Omaha, NE?
Major federal employers in the Omaha, NE area include STRATCOM (Offutt AFB), VA, IRS, USPS. Covers Omaha, Council Bluffs (IA), Fremont, and surrounding metro area.
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 Omaha, NE area at 18.23% reflects the local cost of labor.