GS Pay Calculator Richmond, VA 2026
Calculate your 2026 federal salary in the Richmond-Petersburg, VA locality area. Covers Richmond, Petersburg, and surrounding central Virginia communities.
Richmond, VA Federal Pay at a Glance
GS-12 Step 5
$104,909
$4,035/biweekly
GS-13 Step 5
$124,751
$4,798/biweekly
Locality Rate
+21.06%
above base pay
GS-15 Step 10
$197,200*
EL-IV cap
Richmond, VA Locality Pay in Context
The Richmond-Petersburg, VA locality rate of 21.06% ranks #24 out of 48 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 16.98% (Rest of U.S.) to 45.25% (San Jose, CA). Covers Richmond, Petersburg, and surrounding central Virginia communities.
Major federal employers in Richmond, VA include DISA, VA, IRS, Army (Fort Gregg-Adams), USPS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Richmond, VA but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Richmond, VA GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Richmond, VA 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 | $42,128 | $43,532 | $44,936 | $46,341 | $47,745 | $49,149 | $50,553 | $51,958 | $53,362 | $54,766 |
| GS-7 | $52,184 | $53,924 | $55,663 | $57,403 | $59,143 | $60,882 | $62,622 | $64,362 | $66,101 | $67,841 |
| GS-9 | $63,831 | $65,960 | $68,088 | $70,216 | $72,344 | $74,472 | $76,601 | $78,729 | $80,857 | $82,985 |
| GS-11 | $77,230 | $79,805 | $82,380 | $84,955 | $87,530 | $90,105 | $92,680 | $95,255 | $97,830 | $100,405 |
| GS-12 | $92,566 | $95,652 | $98,738 | $101,824 | $104,909 | $107,995 | $111,081 | $114,167 | $117,253 | $120,338 |
| GS-13 | $110,074 | $113,743 | $117,412 | $121,082 | $124,751 | $128,420 | $132,090 | $135,759 | $139,428 | $143,098 |
| GS-14 | $130,074 | $134,410 | $138,747 | $143,083 | $147,420 | $151,756 | $156,092 | $160,429 | $164,765 | $169,101 |
| GS-15 | $153,000 | $158,101 | $163,201 | $168,301 | $173,402 | $178,502 | $183,602 | $188,702 | $193,803 | $197,200* |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
Calculate Your Exact Richmond, VA Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Richmond-Petersburg, VA locality area.
Calculate Your GS Pay
2026 Pay: GS-15 Step 6
Locality: Richmond-Petersburg, VABase Annual
$147,449
Locality Adj. (+21.06%)
$31,053
Total Annual
$178,502
Biweekly
$6,865
Hourly: $85.53
About GS Pay
- • Pay data effective 2026-01-11
- • Biweekly pay assumes 26 pay periods per year
- • Hourly rate calculated using 2,087 hours per year (OPM standard)
- • 49 locality areas available
- • Salaries capped at Executive Schedule Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
- • Paycheck breakdown is an estimate - actual deductions vary by individual circumstances
How Richmond, VA Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Richmond, VA +21.06% | Washington, DC +33.94% | Virginia Beach, VA +21.11% | Raleigh, NC +19.88% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $92,566 | $102,415 +$9,849 | $92,604 +$38 | $91,664 -$902 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $104,909 | $116,071 +$11,162 | $104,953 +$44 | $103,887 -$1,022 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $124,751 | $138,024 +$13,273 | $124,803 +$52 | $123,535 -$1,216 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 | $196,964 -$236 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Richmond, VA.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Washington, DC earn $11,162 more per year than those in Richmond, VA, while those in Raleigh, NC earn $1,022 less.
Career Salary Growth in Richmond, VA
Here is how a typical federal career progresses in the Richmond, VA locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder:
| Timeline | Position | Richmond, VA Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $52,184 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $63,831 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $77,230 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $98,738 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $124,751 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $169,101 |
Assumes career-ladder promotions every 2-3 years with satisfactory performance. Actual progression varies by position and agency.
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Complete GS Pay Guide 2026
Understand grades, steps, locality adjustments, and the pay cap.
Browse GS Pay by Locality
Frequently Asked Questions: GS Pay in Richmond, VA
How much does a GS-12 make in Richmond, VA in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Richmond-Petersburg, VA locality area earns between $92,566 (Step 1) and $120,338 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 21.06% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Richmond, VA?
The Richmond, VA locality pay adjustment is 21.06% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2106 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $104,909.
How does Richmond, VA federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Richmond, VA has a 21.06% locality rate. Nearby areas include Washington, DC (33.94%), Virginia Beach, VA (21.11%), Raleigh, NC (19.88%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Richmond, VA?
GS salaries in Richmond, VA are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 21.06% 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 Richmond, VA?
Major federal employers in the Richmond, VA area include DISA, VA, IRS, Army (Fort Gregg-Adams), USPS. Covers Richmond, Petersburg, and surrounding central Virginia 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 Richmond, VA area at 21.06% reflects the local cost of labor.