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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$71,080 GS-12 Step 1 in PHOENIX (2014)
$92,402 GS-12 Step 10 in PHOENIX (2014)
+$10,203 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2014 GS-12 pay table for PHOENIX

Each step below already includes the 16.76% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-12 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $71,080 $2,733.85 $34.06 +$10,203
Step 2 $73,449 $2,824.96 $35.19 +$10,543
Step 3 $75,818 $2,916.08 $36.33 +$10,883
Step 4 $78,187 $3,007.19 $37.46 +$11,223
Step 5 $80,556 $3,098.31 $38.60 +$11,563
Step 6 $82,925 $3,189.42 $39.73 +$11,903
Step 7 $85,294 $3,280.54 $40.87 +$12,243
Step 8 $87,663 $3,371.65 $42.00 +$12,583
Step 9 $90,032 $3,462.77 $43.14 +$12,923
Step 10 $92,402 $3,553.92 $44.28 +$13,264
← GS-11 Calculate my take-home GS-13 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more PHOENIX pays

  • Base GS-12 Step 1 $60,877
  • PHOENIX GS-12 Step 1 $71,080
  • Locality add-on +$10,203
  • Adjustment percent 16.76%
  • Base GS-12 Step 10 $79,138
  • PHOENIX GS-12 Step 10 $92,402

Step-increase waiting periods

  • Step 1 → Step 2 52 weeks
  • Step 2 → Step 3 52 weeks
  • Step 3 → Step 4 52 weeks
  • Step 4 → Step 5 104 weeks
  • Step 5 → Step 6 104 weeks
  • Step 6 → Step 7 104 weeks
  • Step 7 → Step 8 156 weeks
  • Step 8 → Step 9 156 weeks
  • Step 9 → Step 10 156 weeks

GS-12 in PHOENIX: what to expect

Experienced professionals and working-level experts. This is the most common GS grade for mid-career federal employees. Many policy, acquisition, engineering and scientific specialists sit at GS-12.

For 2014, the PHOENIX pay area adds a 16.76% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-12 employee assigned to this area benefits from that same percentage, regardless of step or series.

Qualifications and career path

Minimum qualifications. One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level.

Promotion path. Competitive promotion to GS-13 requires a GS-13 vacancy and selection on merit.

The rough military equivalent for GS-12 is O-5 Lieutenant Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-12 in PHOENIX

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in PHOENIX earns roughly $2,734 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $3,554. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Note. This is the archived 2014 table. For current pay, open the latest GS-12 PHOENIX page.

Other grades in PHOENIX

GS-12 in PHOENIX questions

  • How much does a GS-12 make in PHOENIX?
    In 2014, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in PHOENIX earns $71,080 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $92,402. This is 16.76% higher than the base GS-12 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-12 in PHOENIX?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For PHOENIX in 2014, it is 16.76%. On a GS-12 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $10,203 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-12 in PHOENIX?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-12 Step 1 employee in PHOENIX earns roughly $2,734 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.