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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$75,621 GS-12 Step 1 in Washington DC (2014)
$98,305 GS-12 Step 10 in Washington DC (2014)
+$14,744 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2014 GS-12 pay table for Washington DC

Each step below already includes the 24.22% 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 $75,621 $2,908.50 $36.23 +$14,744
Step 2 $78,142 $3,005.46 $37.44 +$15,236
Step 3 $80,662 $3,102.38 $38.65 +$15,727
Step 4 $83,183 $3,199.35 $39.86 +$16,219
Step 5 $85,703 $3,296.27 $41.07 +$16,710
Step 6 $88,224 $3,393.23 $42.27 +$17,202
Step 7 $90,744 $3,490.15 $43.48 +$17,693
Step 8 $93,264 $3,587.08 $44.69 +$18,184
Step 9 $95,785 $3,684.04 $45.90 +$18,676
Step 10 $98,305 $3,780.96 $47.10 +$19,167
← GS-11 Calculate my take-home GS-13 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Washington DC pays

  • Base GS-12 Step 1 $60,877
  • Washington DC GS-12 Step 1 $75,621
  • Locality add-on +$14,744
  • Adjustment percent 24.22%
  • Base GS-12 Step 10 $79,138
  • Washington DC GS-12 Step 10 $98,305

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 Washington DC: 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 Washington DC pay area adds a 24.22% 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 Washington DC

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $2,909 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $3,781. 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 Washington DC page.

Other grades in Washington DC

GS-12 in Washington DC questions

  • How much does a GS-12 make in Washington DC?
    In 2014, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns $75,621 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $98,305. This is 24.22% higher than the base GS-12 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-12 in Washington DC?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Washington DC in 2014, it is 24.22%. On a GS-12 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $14,744 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-12 in Washington DC?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-12 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $2,909 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.