GS Pay Scale 2026 — Rochester, NY
2026 GS pay scale for the Rochester-Batavia-Seneca Falls, NY locality area (17.88% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers Rochester, Batavia, Seneca Falls, and surrounding western New York communities.
The Rochester-Batavia-Seneca Falls, NY locality rate of 17.88% ranks #53 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is among the lowest locality rates. The tradeoff is that Rochester, NY 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 Rochester, Batavia, Seneca Falls, and surrounding western New York communities.
Major federal employers in Rochester, NY include VA, IRS, USPS, Army Reserve, SSA. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Rochester, NY but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Rochester, NY GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Rochester, NY 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 | $41,021 | $42,388 | $43,756 | $45,123 | $46,491 | $47,858 | $49,226 | $50,593 | $51,960 | $53,328 |
| GS-7 | $50,813 | $52,507 | $54,201 | $55,895 | $57,589 | $59,283 | $60,977 | $62,671 | $64,365 | $66,059 |
| GS-9 | $62,155 | $64,227 | $66,299 | $68,372 | $70,444 | $72,516 | $74,589 | $76,661 | $78,733 | $80,806 |
| GS-11 | $75,202 | $77,709 | $80,216 | $82,723 | $85,231 | $87,738 | $90,245 | $92,753 | $95,260 | $97,767 |
| GS-12 | $90,135 | $93,139 | $96,144 | $99,149 | $102,154 | $105,158 | $108,163 | $111,168 | $114,173 | $117,177 |
| GS-13 | $107,182 | $110,755 | $114,328 | $117,901 | $121,474 | $125,047 | $128,620 | $132,193 | $135,766 | $139,339 |
| GS-14 | $126,657 | $130,880 | $135,102 | $139,325 | $143,547 | $147,770 | $151,992 | $156,215 | $160,437 | $164,659 |
| GS-15 | $148,981 | $153,948 | $158,914 | $163,880 | $168,847 | $173,813 | $178,779 | $183,745 | $188,712 | $193,678 |
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Rochester, NY Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Rochester-Batavia-Seneca Falls, NY locality area.
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How Rochester, NY Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Rochester, NY +17.88% | Buffalo, NY +22.41% | Albany, NY +20.77% | New York, NY +37.95% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $90,135 | $93,598 +$3,463 | $92,344 +$2,209 | $105,481 +$15,346 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $102,154 | $106,079 +$3,925 | $104,658 +$2,504 | $119,546 +$17,392 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $121,474 | $126,142 +$4,668 | $124,452 +$2,978 | $142,156 +$20,682 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $193,678 | $197,200* +$3,522 | $197,200* +$3,522 | $197,200* +$3,522 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Rochester, NY.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in New York, NY earn $17,392 more per year than those in Rochester, NY, while those in Albany, NY earn $2,504 more.
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Career Salary Growth in Rochester, NY
A typical federal career progressing through the Rochester, NY locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Rochester, NY Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $50,813 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $62,155 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $75,202 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $96,144 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $121,474 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $164,659 |
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 Rochester, NY
How much does a GS-12 make in Rochester, NY in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Rochester-Batavia-Seneca Falls, NY locality area earns between $90,135 (Step 1) and $117,177 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 17.88% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Rochester, NY?
The Rochester, NY locality pay adjustment is 17.88% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.1788 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $102,154.
How does Rochester, NY federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Rochester, NY has a 17.88% locality rate. Nearby areas include Buffalo, NY (22.41%), Albany, NY (20.77%), New York, NY (37.95%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Rochester, NY?
GS salaries in Rochester, NY are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 17.88% locality, GS-15 Step 10 earns $193,678, which is below the cap.
Which federal agencies have offices in Rochester, NY?
Major federal employers in the Rochester, NY area include VA, IRS, USPS, Army Reserve, SSA. Covers Rochester, Batavia, Seneca Falls, and surrounding western New York 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 Rochester, NY area at 17.88% reflects the local cost of labor.