GS Pay Scale 2026 — Palm Bay, FL
2026 GS pay scale for the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL locality area (17.93% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville, and Florida Space Coast communities.
The Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL locality rate of 17.93% ranks #52 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is among the lowest locality rates. The tradeoff is that Palm Bay, FL 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 Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville, and Florida Space Coast communities.
Major federal employers in Palm Bay, FL include NASA Kennedy, Space Force, VA, NOAA, USPS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Palm Bay, FL but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Palm Bay, FL GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Palm Bay, FL 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 | $41,038 | $42,406 | $43,774 | $45,142 | $46,510 | $47,878 | $49,246 | $50,614 | $51,982 | $53,350 |
| GS-7 | $50,835 | $52,530 | $54,224 | $55,919 | $57,614 | $59,308 | $61,003 | $62,697 | $64,392 | $66,087 |
| GS-9 | $62,181 | $64,254 | $66,327 | $68,401 | $70,474 | $72,547 | $74,620 | $76,693 | $78,767 | $80,840 |
| GS-11 | $75,233 | $77,742 | $80,250 | $82,759 | $85,267 | $87,775 | $90,284 | $92,792 | $95,300 | $97,809 |
| GS-12 | $90,173 | $93,179 | $96,185 | $99,191 | $102,197 | $105,203 | $108,209 | $111,215 | $114,221 | $117,227 |
| GS-13 | $107,228 | $110,802 | $114,377 | $117,951 | $121,526 | $125,100 | $128,675 | $132,249 | $135,824 | $139,398 |
| GS-14 | $126,711 | $130,935 | $135,160 | $139,384 | $143,608 | $147,832 | $152,057 | $156,281 | $160,505 | $164,729 |
| GS-15 | $149,045 | $154,013 | $158,981 | $163,950 | $168,918 | $173,887 | $178,855 | $183,823 | $188,792 | $193,760 |
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Palm Bay, FL Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL locality area.
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How Palm Bay, FL Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Palm Bay, FL +17.93% | Miami, FL +24.67% | Atlanta, GA +23.79% | Charlotte, NC +19.67% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $90,173 | $95,326 +$5,153 | $94,654 +$4,481 | $91,503 +$1,330 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $102,197 | $108,038 +$5,841 | $107,275 +$5,078 | $103,705 +$1,508 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $121,526 | $128,471 +$6,945 | $127,564 +$6,038 | $123,319 +$1,793 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $193,760 | $197,200* +$3,440 | $197,200* +$3,440 | $196,619 +$2,859 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Palm Bay, FL.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Miami, FL earn $5,841 more per year than those in Palm Bay, FL, while those in Charlotte, NC earn $1,508 more.
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Career Salary Growth in Palm Bay, FL
A typical federal career progressing through the Palm Bay, FL locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Palm Bay, FL Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $50,835 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $62,181 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $75,233 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $96,185 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $121,526 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $164,729 |
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 Palm Bay, FL
How much does a GS-12 make in Palm Bay, FL in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL locality area earns between $90,173 (Step 1) and $117,227 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 17.93% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Palm Bay, FL?
The Palm Bay, FL locality pay adjustment is 17.93% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.1793 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $102,197.
How does Palm Bay, FL federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Palm Bay, FL has a 17.93% locality rate. Nearby areas include Miami, FL (24.67%), Atlanta, GA (23.79%), Charlotte, NC (19.67%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Palm Bay, FL?
GS salaries in Palm Bay, FL are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 17.93% locality, GS-15 Step 10 earns $193,760, which is below the cap.
Which federal agencies have offices in Palm Bay, FL?
Major federal employers in the Palm Bay, FL area include NASA Kennedy, Space Force, VA, NOAA, USPS. Covers Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville, and Florida Space Coast 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 Palm Bay, FL area at 17.93% reflects the local cost of labor.