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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$127,953 GS-15 Step 1 in LOS ANGELES (2014)
$157,100 GS-15 Step 10 in LOS ANGELES (2014)
+$27,329 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2014 GS-15 pay table for LOS ANGELES

Each step below already includes the 27.16% 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 $127,953 $4,921.27 $61.31 +$27,329
Step 2 $132,218 $5,085.31 $63.35 +$28,240
Step 3 $136,483 $5,249.35 $65.40 +$29,151
Step 4 $140,748 $5,413.38 $67.44 +$30,062
Step 5 $145,013 $5,577.42 $69.48 +$30,973
Step 6 $149,278 $5,741.46 $71.53 +$31,884
Step 7 $153,543 $5,905.50 $73.57 +$32,795
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 LOS ANGELES pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $100,624
  • LOS ANGELES GS-15 Step 1 $127,953
  • Locality add-on +$27,329
  • Adjustment percent 27.16%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $130,810
  • LOS ANGELES 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 LOS ANGELES: 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 LOS ANGELES pay area adds a 27.16% 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 LOS ANGELES

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $4,921 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 LOS ANGELES page.

Other grades in LOS ANGELES

GS-15 in LOS ANGELES questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in LOS ANGELES?
    In 2014, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns $127,953 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $157,100. This is 27.16% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in LOS ANGELES?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For LOS ANGELES in 2014, it is 27.16%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $27,329 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in LOS ANGELES?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $4,921 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.