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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$75,603 GS-12 Step 1 in SAN DIEGO (2014)
$98,281 GS-12 Step 10 in SAN DIEGO (2014)
+$14,726 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2014 GS-12 pay table for SAN DIEGO

Each step below already includes the 24.19% 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 $75,603 $2,907.81 $36.23 +$14,726
Step 2 $78,123 $3,004.73 $37.43 +$15,217
Step 3 $80,643 $3,101.65 $38.64 +$15,708
Step 4 $83,163 $3,198.58 $39.85 +$16,199
Step 5 $85,682 $3,295.46 $41.06 +$16,689
Step 6 $88,202 $3,392.38 $42.26 +$17,180
Step 7 $90,722 $3,489.31 $43.47 +$17,671
Step 8 $93,242 $3,586.23 $44.68 +$18,162
Step 9 $95,762 $3,683.15 $45.89 +$18,653
Step 10 $98,281 $3,780.04 $47.09 +$19,143
← GS-11 Calculate my take-home GS-13 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more SAN DIEGO pays

  • Base GS-12 Step 1 $60,877
  • SAN DIEGO GS-12 Step 1 $75,603
  • Locality add-on +$14,726
  • Adjustment percent 24.19%
  • Base GS-12 Step 10 $79,138
  • SAN DIEGO GS-12 Step 10 $98,281

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 SAN DIEGO: 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 SAN DIEGO pay area adds a 24.19% 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 SAN DIEGO

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $2,908 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $3,780. 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 SAN DIEGO page.

Other grades in SAN DIEGO

GS-12 in SAN DIEGO questions

  • How much does a GS-12 make in SAN DIEGO?
    In 2014, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns $75,603 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $98,281. This is 24.19% higher than the base GS-12 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-12 in SAN DIEGO?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For SAN DIEGO in 2014, it is 24.19%. On a GS-12 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $14,726 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-12 in SAN DIEGO?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-12 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $2,908 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.