GS Pay Scale 2026 — Philadelphia, PA
2026 GS pay scale for the Philadelphia-Reading-Camden, PA-NJ-DE-MD locality area (28.99% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the Philadelphia metro area spanning Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
The Philadelphia-Reading-Camden, PA-NJ-DE-MD locality rate of 28.99% ranks #15 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 Philadelphia metro area spanning Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
Major federal employers in Philadelphia, PA include VA, IRS, DOD (Navy Yard), EPA Region 3, SSA, USPS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Philadelphia, PA but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Philadelphia, PA GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Philadelphia, PA 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 | $44,887 | $46,384 | $47,880 | $49,376 | $50,872 | $52,369 | $53,865 | $55,361 | $56,858 | $58,354 |
| GS-7 | $55,602 | $57,456 | $59,310 | $61,163 | $63,017 | $64,870 | $66,724 | $68,578 | $70,431 | $72,285 |
| GS-9 | $68,013 | $70,280 | $72,548 | $74,815 | $77,083 | $79,351 | $81,618 | $83,886 | $86,154 | $88,421 |
| GS-11 | $82,289 | $85,033 | $87,776 | $90,520 | $93,264 | $96,007 | $98,751 | $101,494 | $104,238 | $106,982 |
| GS-12 | $98,630 | $101,918 | $105,206 | $108,493 | $111,781 | $115,069 | $118,357 | $121,645 | $124,933 | $128,221 |
| GS-13 | $117,284 | $121,194 | $125,104 | $129,013 | $132,923 | $136,833 | $140,742 | $144,652 | $148,562 | $152,471 |
| GS-14 | $138,595 | $143,215 | $147,835 | $152,456 | $157,076 | $161,697 | $166,317 | $170,938 | $175,558 | $180,178 |
| GS-15 | $163,023 | $168,457 | $173,891 | $179,326 | $184,760 | $190,194 | $195,629 | $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 Philadelphia, PA Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Philadelphia-Reading-Camden, PA-NJ-DE-MD locality area.
How Philadelphia, PA Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Philadelphia, PA +28.99% | New York, NY +37.95% | Washington, DC +33.94% | Harrisburg, PA +19.43% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $98,630 | $105,481 +$6,851 | $102,415 +$3,785 | $91,320 -$7,310 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $111,781 | $119,546 +$7,765 | $116,071 +$4,290 | $103,497 -$8,284 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $132,923 | $142,156 +$9,233 | $138,024 +$5,101 | $123,071 -$9,852 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 | $196,225 -$975 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Philadelphia, PA.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in New York, NY earn $7,765 more per year than those in Philadelphia, PA, while those in Harrisburg, PA earn $8,284 less.
Career Salary Growth in Philadelphia, PA
A typical federal career progressing through the Philadelphia, PA locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Philadelphia, PA Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $55,602 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $68,013 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $82,289 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $105,206 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $132,923 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $180,178 |
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 Philadelphia, PA
How much does a GS-12 make in Philadelphia, PA in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Philadelphia-Reading-Camden, PA-NJ-DE-MD locality area earns between $98,630 (Step 1) and $128,221 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 28.99% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Philadelphia, PA?
The Philadelphia, PA locality pay adjustment is 28.99% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2899 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $111,781.
How does Philadelphia, PA federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Philadelphia, PA has a 28.99% locality rate. Nearby areas include New York, NY (37.95%), Washington, DC (33.94%), Harrisburg, PA (19.43%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Philadelphia, PA?
GS salaries in Philadelphia, PA are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 28.99% 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 Philadelphia, PA?
Major federal employers in the Philadelphia, PA area include VA, IRS, DOD (Navy Yard), EPA Region 3, SSA, USPS. Covers the Philadelphia metro area spanning Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
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 Philadelphia, PA area at 28.99% reflects the local cost of labor.