GS Pay Scale 2026 — San Diego, CA
2026 GS pay scale for the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA locality area (33.72% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Chula Vista, and surrounding communities.
The San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA locality rate of 33.72% ranks #6 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is one of the highest-paying localities, reflecting a significantly higher cost of labor compared to the national average. Rates range from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% (San Jose, CA). Covers San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Chula Vista, and surrounding communities.
Major federal employers in San Diego, CA include Navy (NAVWAR, NAS), USMC (Camp Pendleton), VA, CBP, SPAWAR. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from San Diego, CA but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
San Diego, CA GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the San Diego, 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 | $46,533 | $48,084 | $49,636 | $51,187 | $52,738 | $54,289 | $55,840 | $57,391 | $58,942 | $60,494 |
| GS-7 | $57,641 | $59,563 | $61,484 | $63,406 | $65,328 | $67,249 | $69,171 | $71,092 | $73,014 | $74,935 |
| GS-9 | $70,507 | $72,857 | $75,208 | $77,559 | $79,910 | $82,261 | $84,611 | $86,962 | $89,313 | $91,664 |
| GS-11 | $85,307 | $88,151 | $90,995 | $93,839 | $96,684 | $99,528 | $102,372 | $105,216 | $108,060 | $110,905 |
| GS-12 | $102,246 | $105,655 | $109,063 | $112,472 | $115,880 | $119,289 | $122,697 | $126,106 | $129,515 | $132,923 |
| GS-13 | $121,585 | $125,638 | $129,691 | $133,744 | $137,797 | $141,850 | $145,903 | $149,956 | $154,009 | $158,062 |
| GS-14 | $143,677 | $148,467 | $153,256 | $158,046 | $162,836 | $167,626 | $172,416 | $177,206 | $181,996 | $186,785 |
| GS-15 | $169,001 | $174,634 | $180,268 | $185,902 | $191,535 | $197,169 | $197,200* | $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 San Diego, CA Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA locality area.
How San Diego, CA Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | San Diego, CA +33.72% | Los Angeles, CA +36.47% | San Jose, CA +46.34% | Phoenix, AZ +22.45% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $102,246 | $104,349 +$2,103 | $111,896 +$9,650 | $93,629 -$8,617 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $115,880 | $118,264 +$2,384 | $126,817 +$10,937 | $106,114 -$9,766 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $137,797 | $140,631 +$2,834 | $150,802 +$13,005 | $126,184 -$11,613 |
| 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 San Diego, CA.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in San Jose, CA earn $10,937 more per year than those in San Diego, CA, while those in Phoenix, AZ earn $9,766 less.
Career Salary Growth in San Diego, CA
A typical federal career progressing through the San Diego, CA locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | San Diego, CA Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $57,641 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $70,507 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $85,307 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $109,063 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $137,797 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $186,785 |
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 Diego, CA
How much does a GS-12 make in San Diego, CA in 2026?
A GS-12 in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA locality area earns between $102,246 (Step 1) and $132,923 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 33.72% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for San Diego, CA?
The San Diego, CA locality pay adjustment is 33.72% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.3372 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $115,880.
How does San Diego, CA federal pay compare to nearby areas?
San Diego, CA has a 33.72% locality rate. Nearby areas include Los Angeles, CA (36.47%), San Jose, CA (46.34%), Phoenix, AZ (22.45%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in San Diego, CA?
GS salaries in San Diego, CA are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 33.72% 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 San Diego, CA?
Major federal employers in the San Diego, CA area include Navy (NAVWAR, NAS), USMC (Camp Pendleton), VA, CBP, SPAWAR. Covers San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Chula Vista, and surrounding 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 San Diego, CA area at 33.72% reflects the local cost of labor.