GS Pay Scale 2026 — Spokane, WA
2026 GS pay scale for the Spokane-Spokane Valley-Coeur d'Alene, WA-ID locality area (17.67% locality rate). Full pay table for all 15 grades and 10 steps. Covers Spokane, Spokane Valley, Coeur d'Alene, and surrounding eastern Washington and northern Idaho communities.
The Spokane-Spokane Valley-Coeur d'Alene, WA-ID locality rate of 17.67% ranks #54 out of 58 federal pay areas in 2026. This is among the lowest locality rates. The tradeoff is that Spokane, WA 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 Spokane, Spokane Valley, Coeur d'Alene, and surrounding eastern Washington and northern Idaho communities.
Major federal employers in Spokane, WA include VA, Fairchild AFB, USFS, BLM, USPS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Spokane, WA but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Spokane, WA GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Spokane, WA 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 | $40,948 | $42,313 | $43,678 | $45,043 | $46,408 | $47,773 | $49,138 | $50,503 | $51,868 | $53,233 |
| GS-7 | $50,723 | $52,414 | $54,105 | $55,796 | $57,487 | $59,177 | $60,868 | $62,559 | $64,250 | $65,941 |
| GS-9 | $62,044 | $64,112 | $66,181 | $68,250 | $70,318 | $72,387 | $74,456 | $76,524 | $78,593 | $80,662 |
| GS-11 | $75,068 | $77,570 | $80,073 | $82,576 | $85,079 | $87,582 | $90,085 | $92,587 | $95,090 | $97,593 |
| GS-12 | $89,974 | $92,973 | $95,973 | $98,972 | $101,972 | $104,971 | $107,970 | $110,970 | $113,969 | $116,969 |
| GS-13 | $106,991 | $110,558 | $114,125 | $117,691 | $121,258 | $124,824 | $128,391 | $131,957 | $135,524 | $139,091 |
| GS-14 | $126,432 | $130,647 | $134,862 | $139,077 | $143,291 | $147,506 | $151,721 | $155,936 | $160,151 | $164,366 |
| GS-15 | $148,716 | $153,673 | $158,631 | $163,588 | $168,546 | $173,503 | $178,461 | $183,418 | $188,376 | $193,333 |
Source: OPM 2026 General Schedule pay tables.
Calculate Your Exact Spokane, WA Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Spokane-Spokane Valley-Coeur d'Alene, WA-ID locality area.
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How Spokane, WA Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Spokane, WA +17.67% | Seattle, WA +31.57% | Portland, OR +26.13% | Denver, CO +30.52% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $89,974 | $100,602 +$10,628 | $96,443 +$6,469 | $99,800 +$9,826 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $101,972 | $114,017 +$12,045 | $109,303 +$7,331 | $113,107 +$11,135 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $121,258 | $135,582 +$14,324 | $129,976 +$8,718 | $134,500 +$13,242 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $193,333 | $197,200* +$3,867 | $197,200* +$3,867 | $197,200* +$3,867 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Spokane, WA.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Seattle, WA earn $12,045 more per year than those in Spokane, WA, while those in Portland, OR earn $7,331 more.
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Career Salary Growth in Spokane, WA
A typical federal career progressing through the Spokane, WA locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder.
| Timeline | Position | Spokane, WA Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $50,723 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $62,044 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $75,068 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $95,973 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $121,258 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $164,366 |
Assumes career-ladder promotions every 2–3 years with satisfactory performance. Actual progression varies by position and agency.
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Frequently Asked Questions: GS Pay in Spokane, WA
How much does a GS-12 make in Spokane, WA in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Spokane-Spokane Valley-Coeur d'Alene, WA-ID locality area earns between $89,974 (Step 1) and $116,969 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 17.67% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Spokane, WA?
The Spokane, WA locality pay adjustment is 17.67% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.1767 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $101,972.
How does Spokane, WA federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Spokane, WA has a 17.67% locality rate. Nearby areas include Seattle, WA (31.57%), Portland, OR (26.13%), Denver, CO (30.52%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Spokane, WA?
GS salaries in Spokane, WA are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 17.67% locality, GS-15 Step 10 earns $193,333, which is below the cap.
Which federal agencies have offices in Spokane, WA?
Major federal employers in the Spokane, WA area include VA, Fairchild AFB, USFS, BLM, USPS. Covers Spokane, Spokane Valley, Coeur d'Alene, and surrounding eastern Washington and northern Idaho 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 Spokane, WA area at 17.67% reflects the local cost of labor.