GS Pay Scale 2026 — Raleigh, NC
2026 GS pay scale for the Raleigh-Durham-Cary, NC locality area (22.24% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the Research Triangle including Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding communities.
The Raleigh-Durham-Cary, NC locality rate of 22.24% ranks #25 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 Research Triangle including Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding communities.
Major federal employers in Raleigh, NC include EPA, VA, IRS, USPS, NIEHS (NIH). Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Raleigh, NC but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Raleigh, NC GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Raleigh, NC 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 | $42,538 | $43,956 | $45,374 | $46,792 | $48,210 | $49,628 | $51,046 | $52,464 | $53,882 | $55,300 |
| GS-7 | $52,693 | $54,449 | $56,206 | $57,963 | $59,719 | $61,476 | $63,232 | $64,989 | $66,745 | $68,502 |
| GS-9 | $64,453 | $66,602 | $68,751 | $70,900 | $73,049 | $75,198 | $77,347 | $79,496 | $81,645 | $83,794 |
| GS-11 | $77,983 | $80,583 | $83,183 | $85,783 | $88,383 | $90,983 | $93,583 | $96,183 | $98,783 | $101,383 |
| GS-12 | $93,468 | $96,584 | $99,700 | $102,816 | $105,932 | $109,048 | $112,164 | $115,280 | $118,396 | $121,511 |
| GS-13 | $111,147 | $114,852 | $118,557 | $122,262 | $125,967 | $129,672 | $133,377 | $137,082 | $140,787 | $144,493 |
| GS-14 | $131,342 | $135,721 | $140,099 | $144,478 | $148,857 | $153,235 | $157,614 | $161,992 | $166,371 | $170,750 |
| GS-15 | $154,492 | $159,642 | $164,792 | $169,942 | $175,092 | $180,242 | $185,392 | $190,542 | $195,692 | $197,200* |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Raleigh, NC Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Raleigh-Durham-Cary, NC locality area.
How Raleigh, NC Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Raleigh, NC +22.24% | Charlotte, NC +19.67% | Richmond, VA +22.28% | Atlanta, GA +23.79% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $93,468 | $91,503 -$1,965 | $93,499 +$31 | $94,654 +$1,186 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $105,932 | $103,705 -$2,227 | $105,967 +$35 | $107,275 +$1,343 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $125,967 | $123,319 -$2,648 | $126,008 +$41 | $127,564 +$1,597 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $196,619 -$581 | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Raleigh, NC.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Atlanta, GA earn $1,343 more per year than those in Raleigh, NC, while those in Charlotte, NC earn $2,227 less.
Career Salary Growth in Raleigh, NC
A typical federal career progressing through the Raleigh, NC locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Raleigh, NC Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $52,693 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $64,453 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $77,983 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $99,700 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $125,967 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $170,750 |
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 Raleigh, NC
How much does a GS-12 make in Raleigh, NC in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Raleigh-Durham-Cary, NC locality area earns between $93,468 (Step 1) and $121,511 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 22.24% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Raleigh, NC?
The Raleigh, NC locality pay adjustment is 22.24% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2224 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $105,932.
How does Raleigh, NC federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Raleigh, NC has a 22.24% locality rate. Nearby areas include Charlotte, NC (19.67%), Richmond, VA (22.28%), Atlanta, GA (23.79%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Raleigh, NC?
GS salaries in Raleigh, NC are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 22.24% 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 Raleigh, NC?
Major federal employers in the Raleigh, NC area include EPA, VA, IRS, USPS, NIEHS (NIH). Covers the Research Triangle including Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding 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 Raleigh, NC area at 22.24% reflects the local cost of labor.