GS Pay Scale 2026 — Rest of U.S.
2026 GS pay scale for the Rest of United States locality area (17.06% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Applies to federal duty stations outside the named locality pay areas.
The Rest of United States locality rate of 17.06% ranks #58 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is among the lowest locality rates. The tradeoff is that Rest of U.S. 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). Applies to federal duty stations outside the named locality pay areas.
Major federal employers in Rest of U.S. include VA, USDA, USPS, DOD, SSA. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Rest of U.S. but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Rest of U.S. GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Rest of U.S. 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 | $40,736 | $42,094 | $43,452 | $44,809 | $46,167 | $47,525 | $48,883 | $50,241 | $51,599 | $52,957 |
| GS-7 | $50,460 | $52,142 | $53,824 | $55,506 | $57,188 | $58,871 | $60,553 | $62,235 | $63,917 | $65,599 |
| GS-9 | $61,722 | $63,780 | $65,838 | $67,896 | $69,954 | $72,012 | $74,070 | $76,128 | $78,186 | $80,243 |
| GS-11 | $74,678 | $77,168 | $79,658 | $82,148 | $84,638 | $87,128 | $89,618 | $92,107 | $94,597 | $97,087 |
| GS-12 | $89,508 | $92,491 | $95,475 | $98,459 | $101,443 | $104,427 | $107,411 | $110,395 | $113,378 | $116,362 |
| GS-13 | $106,437 | $109,985 | $113,533 | $117,081 | $120,629 | $124,177 | $127,725 | $131,273 | $134,822 | $138,370 |
| GS-14 | $125,776 | $129,969 | $134,162 | $138,356 | $142,549 | $146,742 | $150,935 | $155,128 | $159,321 | $163,514 |
| GS-15 | $147,945 | $152,877 | $157,809 | $162,740 | $167,672 | $172,604 | $177,536 | $182,467 | $187,399 | $192,331 |
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Rest of U.S. Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Rest of United States locality area.
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How Rest of U.S. Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Rest of U.S. +17.06% | Washington, DC +33.94% | Atlanta, GA +23.79% | Denver, CO +30.52% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $89,508 | $102,415 +$12,907 | $94,654 +$5,146 | $99,800 +$10,292 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $101,443 | $116,071 +$14,628 | $107,275 +$5,832 | $113,107 +$11,664 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $120,629 | $138,024 +$17,395 | $127,564 +$6,935 | $134,500 +$13,871 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $192,331 | $197,200* +$4,869 | $197,200* +$4,869 | $197,200* +$4,869 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Rest of U.S..
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Washington, DC earn $14,628 more per year than those in Rest of U.S., while those in Atlanta, GA earn $5,832 more.
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Career Salary Growth in Rest of U.S.
A typical federal career progressing through the Rest of U.S. locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Rest of U.S. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $50,460 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $61,722 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $74,678 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $95,475 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $120,629 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $163,514 |
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 Rest of U.S.
How much does a GS-12 make in Rest of U.S. in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Rest of United States locality area earns between $89,508 (Step 1) and $116,362 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 17.06% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Rest of U.S.?
The Rest of U.S. locality pay adjustment is 17.06% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.1706 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $101,443.
How does Rest of U.S. federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Rest of U.S. has a 17.06% locality rate. Nearby areas include Washington, DC (33.94%), Atlanta, GA (23.79%), 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 Rest of U.S.?
GS salaries in Rest of U.S. are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 17.06% locality, GS-15 Step 10 earns $192,331, which is below the cap.
Which federal agencies have offices in Rest of U.S.?
Major federal employers in the Rest of U.S. area include VA, USDA, USPS, DOD, SSA. Applies to federal duty stations outside the named locality pay areas.
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 Rest of U.S. area at 17.06% reflects the local cost of labor.