GS Pay Scale 2026 — San Antonio, TX
2026 GS pay scale for the San Antonio-New Braunfels-Pearsall, TX locality area (18.78% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers San Antonio, New Braunfels, Pearsall, and surrounding south-central Texas communities. Major military hub.
The San Antonio-New Braunfels-Pearsall, TX locality rate of 18.78% ranks #46 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is among the lowest locality rates. The tradeoff is that San Antonio, TX 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 San Antonio, New Braunfels, Pearsall, and surrounding south-central Texas communities. Major military hub.
Major federal employers in San Antonio, TX include Lackland AFB, Fort Sam Houston, Randolph AFB, VA, NSA Texas. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from San Antonio, TX but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
San Antonio, TX GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the San Antonio, TX 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 | $41,334 | $42,712 | $44,090 | $45,468 | $46,846 | $48,223 | $49,601 | $50,979 | $52,357 | $53,735 |
| GS-7 | $51,201 | $52,908 | $54,615 | $56,322 | $58,029 | $59,736 | $61,443 | $63,149 | $64,856 | $66,563 |
| GS-9 | $62,629 | $64,717 | $66,805 | $68,894 | $70,982 | $73,070 | $75,158 | $77,246 | $79,334 | $81,423 |
| GS-11 | $75,776 | $78,302 | $80,829 | $83,355 | $85,882 | $88,408 | $90,934 | $93,461 | $95,987 | $98,514 |
| GS-12 | $90,823 | $93,850 | $96,878 | $99,906 | $102,934 | $105,961 | $108,989 | $112,017 | $115,044 | $118,072 |
| GS-13 | $108,001 | $111,601 | $115,201 | $118,801 | $122,402 | $126,002 | $129,602 | $133,202 | $136,802 | $140,403 |
| GS-14 | $127,624 | $131,879 | $136,134 | $140,388 | $144,643 | $148,898 | $153,153 | $157,407 | $161,662 | $165,917 |
| GS-15 | $150,119 | $155,123 | $160,127 | $165,132 | $170,136 | $175,140 | $180,144 | $185,148 | $190,153 | $195,157 |
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact San Antonio, TX Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the San Antonio-New Braunfels-Pearsall, TX locality area.
How San Antonio, TX Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | San Antonio, TX +18.78% | Houston, TX +35.00% | Austin, TX +20.35% | Dallas, TX +27.26% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $90,823 | $103,225 +$12,402 | $92,023 +$1,200 | $97,307 +$6,484 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $102,934 | $116,990 +$14,056 | $104,294 +$1,360 | $110,282 +$7,348 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $122,402 | $139,116 +$16,714 | $124,019 +$1,617 | $131,140 +$8,738 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $195,157 | $197,200* +$2,043 | $197,200* +$2,043 | $197,200* +$2,043 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to San Antonio, TX.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Houston, TX earn $14,056 more per year than those in San Antonio, TX, while those in Austin, TX earn $1,360 more.
Career Salary Growth in San Antonio, TX
A typical federal career progressing through the San Antonio, TX locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | San Antonio, TX Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $51,201 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $62,629 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $75,776 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $96,878 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $122,402 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $165,917 |
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 San Antonio, TX
How much does a GS-12 make in San Antonio, TX in 2026?
A GS-12 in the San Antonio-New Braunfels-Pearsall, TX locality area earns between $90,823 (Step 1) and $118,072 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 18.78% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for San Antonio, TX?
The San Antonio, TX locality pay adjustment is 18.78% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.1878 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $102,934.
How does San Antonio, TX federal pay compare to nearby areas?
San Antonio, TX has a 18.78% locality rate. Nearby areas include Houston, TX (35.00%), Austin, TX (20.35%), Dallas, TX (27.26%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in San Antonio, TX?
GS salaries in San Antonio, TX are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 18.78% locality, GS-15 Step 10 earns $195,157, which is below the cap.
Which federal agencies have offices in San Antonio, TX?
Major federal employers in the San Antonio, TX area include Lackland AFB, Fort Sam Houston, Randolph AFB, VA, NSA Texas. Covers San Antonio, New Braunfels, Pearsall, and surrounding south-central Texas communities. Major military hub.
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 San Antonio, TX area at 18.78% reflects the local cost of labor.