GS Pay Scale 2026 — Sacramento, CA
2026 GS pay scale for the Sacramento-Roseville, CA-NV locality area (29.76% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers Sacramento, Roseville, Elk Grove, and surrounding Central Valley and foothill communities.
The Sacramento-Roseville, CA-NV locality rate of 29.76% ranks #13 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 Sacramento, Roseville, Elk Grove, and surrounding Central Valley and foothill communities.
Major federal employers in Sacramento, CA include VA, IRS, BLM, USFS, Army Corps, McClellan Park. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Sacramento, CA but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Sacramento, CA GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Sacramento, CA 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 | $45,155 | $46,660 | $48,166 | $49,671 | $51,176 | $52,681 | $54,186 | $55,692 | $57,197 | $58,702 |
| GS-7 | $55,934 | $57,799 | $59,664 | $61,528 | $63,393 | $65,258 | $67,122 | $68,987 | $70,852 | $72,716 |
| GS-9 | $68,419 | $70,700 | $72,981 | $75,262 | $77,543 | $79,824 | $82,106 | $84,387 | $86,668 | $88,949 |
| GS-11 | $82,780 | $85,540 | $88,300 | $91,060 | $93,820 | $96,580 | $99,340 | $102,100 | $104,860 | $107,620 |
| GS-12 | $99,218 | $102,526 | $105,834 | $109,141 | $112,449 | $115,756 | $119,064 | $122,371 | $125,679 | $128,987 |
| GS-13 | $117,984 | $121,917 | $125,850 | $129,783 | $133,716 | $137,649 | $141,582 | $145,515 | $149,448 | $153,382 |
| GS-14 | $139,422 | $144,070 | $148,718 | $153,366 | $158,014 | $162,662 | $167,310 | $171,958 | $176,606 | $181,254 |
| GS-15 | $163,996 | $169,463 | $174,929 | $180,396 | $185,863 | $191,330 | $196,797 | $197,200* | $197,200* | $197,200* |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Sacramento, CA Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Sacramento-Roseville, CA-NV locality area.
How Sacramento, CA Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Sacramento, CA +29.76% | San Jose, CA +46.34% | Los Angeles, CA +36.47% | Portland, OR +26.13% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $99,218 | $111,896 +$12,678 | $104,349 +$5,131 | $96,443 -$2,775 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $112,449 | $126,817 +$14,368 | $118,264 +$5,815 | $109,303 -$3,146 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $133,716 | $150,802 +$17,086 | $140,631 +$6,915 | $129,976 -$3,740 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Sacramento, CA.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in San Jose, CA earn $14,368 more per year than those in Sacramento, CA, while those in Portland, OR earn $3,146 less.
Career Salary Growth in Sacramento, CA
A typical federal career progressing through the Sacramento, CA locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Sacramento, CA Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $55,934 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $68,419 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $82,780 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $105,834 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $133,716 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $181,254 |
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 Sacramento, CA
How much does a GS-12 make in Sacramento, CA in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Sacramento-Roseville, CA-NV locality area earns between $99,218 (Step 1) and $128,987 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 29.76% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Sacramento, CA?
The Sacramento, CA locality pay adjustment is 29.76% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2976 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $112,449.
How does Sacramento, CA federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Sacramento, CA has a 29.76% locality rate. Nearby areas include San Jose, CA (46.34%), Los Angeles, CA (36.47%), Portland, OR (26.13%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Sacramento, CA?
GS salaries in Sacramento, CA are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 29.76% 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 Sacramento, CA?
Major federal employers in the Sacramento, CA area include VA, IRS, BLM, USFS, Army Corps, McClellan Park. Covers Sacramento, Roseville, Elk Grove, and surrounding Central Valley and foothill 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 Sacramento, CA area at 29.76% reflects the local cost of labor.