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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$117,710 GS-15 Step 1 in BUFFALO (2014)
$153,022 GS-15 Step 10 in BUFFALO (2014)
+$17,086 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2014 GS-15 pay table for BUFFALO

Each step below already includes the 16.98% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-15 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $117,710 $4,527.31 $56.40 +$17,086
Step 2 $121,633 $4,678.19 $58.28 +$17,655
Step 3 $125,557 $4,829.12 $60.16 +$18,225
Step 4 $129,480 $4,980.00 $62.04 +$18,794
Step 5 $133,404 $5,130.92 $63.92 +$19,364
Step 6 $137,328 $5,281.85 $65.80 +$19,934
Step 7 $141,251 $5,432.73 $67.68 +$20,503
Step 8 $145,175 $5,583.65 $69.56 +$21,073
Step 9 $149,098 $5,734.54 $71.44 +$21,642
Step 10 $153,022 $5,885.46 $73.32 +$22,212
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more BUFFALO pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $100,624
  • BUFFALO GS-15 Step 1 $117,710
  • Locality add-on +$17,086
  • Adjustment percent 16.98%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $130,810
  • BUFFALO GS-15 Step 10 $153,022

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-15 in BUFFALO: what to expect

Senior executives just below the Senior Executive Service. Division directors, senior scientists and agency experts typically top out at GS-15.

For 2014, the BUFFALO pay area adds a 16.98% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-15 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-14 level, plus demonstrated leadership.

Promotion path. Further advancement requires selection into the Senior Executive Service (SES).

The rough military equivalent for GS-15 is O-6 Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-15 in BUFFALO

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in BUFFALO earns roughly $4,527 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $5,885. 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-15 BUFFALO page.

Other grades in BUFFALO

GS-15 in BUFFALO questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in BUFFALO?
    In 2014, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in BUFFALO earns $117,710 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $153,022. This is 16.98% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in BUFFALO?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For BUFFALO in 2014, it is 16.98%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $17,086 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in BUFFALO?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in BUFFALO earns roughly $4,527 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.