GS Pay Scale 2026 — San Jose, CA
2026 GS pay scale for the San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA locality area (46.34% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers the San Francisco Bay Area including San Jose, Oakland, and surrounding counties. Highest locality pay area in the nation.
The San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA locality rate of 46.34% ranks #1 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 the San Francisco Bay Area including San Jose, Oakland, and surrounding counties. Highest locality pay area in the nation.
Major federal employers in San Jose, CA include NASA Ames, DOE (SLAC), VA Palo Alto, IRS, USGS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from San Jose, CA but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
San Jose, CA GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the San Jose, 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 | $50,925 | $52,622 | $54,320 | $56,017 | $57,715 | $59,413 | $61,110 | $62,808 | $64,505 | $66,203 |
| GS-7 | $63,081 | $65,184 | $67,287 | $69,390 | $71,493 | $73,596 | $75,699 | $77,802 | $79,905 | $82,007 |
| GS-9 | $77,161 | $79,733 | $82,306 | $84,879 | $87,451 | $90,024 | $92,597 | $95,169 | $97,742 | $100,315 |
| GS-11 | $93,358 | $96,470 | $99,583 | $102,696 | $105,808 | $108,921 | $112,034 | $115,146 | $118,259 | $121,371 |
| GS-12 | $111,896 | $115,626 | $119,356 | $123,087 | $126,817 | $130,547 | $134,277 | $138,007 | $141,738 | $145,468 |
| GS-13 | $133,060 | $137,495 | $141,931 | $146,366 | $150,802 | $155,237 | $159,673 | $164,109 | $168,544 | $172,980 |
| GS-14 | $157,236 | $162,478 | $167,720 | $172,962 | $178,204 | $183,446 | $188,688 | $193,930 | $197,200* | $197,200* |
| GS-15 | $184,950 | $191,116 | $197,200* | $197,200* | $197,200* | $197,200* | $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 Jose, CA Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA locality area.
How San Jose, CA Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | San Jose, CA +46.34% | Los Angeles, CA +36.47% | Sacramento, CA +29.76% | San Diego, CA +33.72% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $111,896 | $104,349 -$7,547 | $99,218 -$12,678 | $102,246 -$9,650 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $126,817 | $118,264 -$8,553 | $112,449 -$14,368 | $115,880 -$10,937 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $150,802 | $140,631 -$10,171 | $133,716 -$17,086 | $137,797 -$13,005 |
| 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 Jose, CA.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Los Angeles, CA earn $8,553 less per year than those in San Jose, CA, while those in Sacramento, CA earn $14,368 less.
Career Salary Growth in San Jose, CA
A typical federal career progressing through the San Jose, CA locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | San Jose, CA Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $63,081 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $77,161 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $93,358 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $119,356 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $150,802 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $197,200 |
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 Jose, CA
How much does a GS-12 make in San Jose, CA in 2026?
A GS-12 in the San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA locality area earns between $111,896 (Step 1) and $145,468 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 46.34% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for San Jose, CA?
The San Jose, CA locality pay adjustment is 46.34% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.4634 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $126,817.
How does San Jose, CA federal pay compare to nearby areas?
San Jose, CA has a 46.34% locality rate. Nearby areas include Los Angeles, CA (36.47%), Sacramento, CA (29.76%), San Diego, CA (33.72%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in San Jose, CA?
GS salaries in San Jose, CA are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 46.34% 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 Jose, CA?
Major federal employers in the San Jose, CA area include NASA Ames, DOE (SLAC), VA Palo Alto, IRS, USGS. Covers the San Francisco Bay Area including San Jose, Oakland, and surrounding counties. Highest locality pay area in the nation.
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 Jose, CA area at 46.34% reflects the local cost of labor.