GS Pay Scale 2026 — Reno, NV
2026 GS pay scale for the Reno-Fernley, NV locality area (17.52% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers Reno, Fernley, Sparks, and surrounding northern Nevada communities.
The Reno-Fernley, NV locality rate of 17.52% ranks #57 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is among the lowest locality rates. The tradeoff is that Reno, NV 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 Reno, Fernley, Sparks, and surrounding northern Nevada communities.
Major federal employers in Reno, NV include VA, BLM, USFS, IRS, USPS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Reno, NV but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Reno, NV GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Reno, NV 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 | $40,896 | $42,259 | $43,622 | $44,985 | $46,349 | $47,712 | $49,075 | $50,438 | $51,802 | $53,165 |
| GS-7 | $50,658 | $52,347 | $54,036 | $55,724 | $57,413 | $59,102 | $60,791 | $62,480 | $64,168 | $65,857 |
| GS-9 | $61,965 | $64,031 | $66,097 | $68,163 | $70,229 | $72,295 | $74,361 | $76,427 | $78,493 | $80,559 |
| GS-11 | $74,972 | $77,472 | $79,971 | $82,471 | $84,970 | $87,470 | $89,970 | $92,469 | $94,969 | $97,469 |
| GS-12 | $89,859 | $92,855 | $95,850 | $98,846 | $101,842 | $104,837 | $107,833 | $110,828 | $113,824 | $116,820 |
| GS-13 | $106,855 | $110,417 | $113,979 | $117,541 | $121,103 | $124,665 | $128,227 | $131,789 | $135,351 | $138,913 |
| GS-14 | $126,271 | $130,480 | $134,690 | $138,899 | $143,109 | $147,318 | $151,528 | $155,738 | $159,947 | $164,157 |
| GS-15 | $148,526 | $153,478 | $158,429 | $163,380 | $168,331 | $173,282 | $178,233 | $183,184 | $188,135 | $193,087 |
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Reno, NV Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Reno-Fernley, NV locality area.
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How Reno, NV Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Reno, NV +17.52% | Sacramento, CA +29.76% | Las Vegas, NV +19.57% | San Jose, CA +46.34% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $89,859 | $99,218 +$9,359 | $91,427 +$1,568 | $111,896 +$22,037 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $101,842 | $112,449 +$10,607 | $103,618 +$1,776 | $126,817 +$24,975 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $121,103 | $133,716 +$12,613 | $123,216 +$2,113 | $150,802 +$29,699 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $193,087 | $197,200* +$4,113 | $196,455 +$3,368 | $197,200* +$4,113 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Reno, NV.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in San Jose, CA earn $24,975 more per year than those in Reno, NV, while those in Las Vegas, NV earn $1,776 more.
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Career Salary Growth in Reno, NV
A typical federal career progressing through the Reno, NV locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Reno, NV Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $50,658 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $61,965 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $74,972 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $95,850 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $121,103 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $164,157 |
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 Reno, NV
How much does a GS-12 make in Reno, NV in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Reno-Fernley, NV locality area earns between $89,859 (Step 1) and $116,820 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 17.52% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Reno, NV?
The Reno, NV locality pay adjustment is 17.52% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.1752 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $101,842.
How does Reno, NV federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Reno, NV has a 17.52% locality rate. Nearby areas include Sacramento, CA (29.76%), Las Vegas, NV (19.57%), San Jose, CA (46.34%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Reno, NV?
GS salaries in Reno, NV are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 17.52% locality, GS-15 Step 10 earns $193,087, which is below the cap.
Which federal agencies have offices in Reno, NV?
Major federal employers in the Reno, NV area include VA, BLM, USFS, IRS, USPS. Covers Reno, Fernley, Sparks, and surrounding northern Nevada 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 Reno, NV area at 17.52% reflects the local cost of labor.