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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$129,513 GS-15 Step 1 in HOUSTON (2014)
$157,100 GS-15 Step 10 in HOUSTON (2014)
+$28,889 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2014 GS-15 pay table for HOUSTON

Each step below already includes the 28.71% 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 $129,513 $4,981.27 $62.06 +$28,889
Step 2 $133,830 $5,147.31 $64.13 +$29,852
Step 3 $138,147 $5,313.35 $66.19 +$30,815
Step 4 $142,464 $5,479.38 $68.26 +$31,778
Step 5 $146,781 $5,645.42 $70.33 +$32,741
Step 6 $151,098 $5,811.46 $72.40 +$33,704
Step 7 $155,415 $5,977.50 $74.47 +$34,667
Step 8 $157,100 $6,042.31 $75.28 +$32,998
Step 9 $157,100 $6,042.31 $75.28 +$29,644
Step 10 $157,100 $6,042.31 $75.28 +$26,290
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more HOUSTON pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $100,624
  • HOUSTON GS-15 Step 1 $129,513
  • Locality add-on +$28,889
  • Adjustment percent 28.71%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $130,810
  • HOUSTON 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 HOUSTON: 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 HOUSTON pay area adds a 28.71% 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 HOUSTON

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in HOUSTON earns roughly $4,981 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 HOUSTON page.

Other grades in HOUSTON

GS-15 in HOUSTON questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in HOUSTON?
    In 2014, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in HOUSTON earns $129,513 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $157,100. This is 28.71% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in HOUSTON?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For HOUSTON in 2014, it is 28.71%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $28,889 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in HOUSTON?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in HOUSTON earns roughly $4,981 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.