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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$123,285 GS-15 Step 1 in DENVER (2014)
$157,100 GS-15 Step 10 in DENVER (2014)
+$22,661 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2014 GS-15 pay table for DENVER

Each step below already includes the 22.52% 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 $123,285 $4,741.73 $59.07 +$22,661
Step 2 $127,394 $4,899.77 $61.04 +$23,416
Step 3 $131,503 $5,057.81 $63.01 +$24,171
Step 4 $135,612 $5,215.85 $64.98 +$24,926
Step 5 $139,722 $5,373.92 $66.95 +$25,682
Step 6 $143,831 $5,531.96 $68.92 +$26,437
Step 7 $147,940 $5,690.00 $70.89 +$27,192
Step 8 $152,050 $5,848.08 $72.86 +$27,948
Step 9 $156,159 $6,006.12 $74.82 +$28,703
Step 10 $157,100 $6,042.31 $75.28 +$26,290
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more DENVER pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $100,624
  • DENVER GS-15 Step 1 $123,285
  • Locality add-on +$22,661
  • Adjustment percent 22.52%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $130,810
  • DENVER GS-15 Step 10 $157,100

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 DENVER: 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 DENVER pay area adds a 22.52% 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 DENVER

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DENVER earns roughly $4,742 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,042. 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 DENVER page.

Other grades in DENVER

GS-15 in DENVER questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in DENVER?
    In 2014, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DENVER earns $123,285 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $157,100. This is 22.52% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in DENVER?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For DENVER in 2014, it is 22.52%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $22,661 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in DENVER?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in DENVER earns roughly $4,742 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.