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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$122,570 GS-15 Step 1 in SEATTLE (2014)
$157,100 GS-15 Step 10 in SEATTLE (2014)
+$21,946 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2014 GS-15 pay table for SEATTLE

Each step below already includes the 21.81% 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 $122,570 $4,714.23 $58.73 +$21,946
Step 2 $126,656 $4,871.38 $60.69 +$22,678
Step 3 $130,741 $5,028.50 $62.65 +$23,409
Step 4 $134,827 $5,185.65 $64.60 +$24,141
Step 5 $138,912 $5,342.77 $66.56 +$24,872
Step 6 $142,998 $5,499.92 $68.52 +$25,604
Step 7 $147,083 $5,657.04 $70.48 +$26,335
Step 8 $151,169 $5,814.19 $72.43 +$27,067
Step 9 $155,254 $5,971.31 $74.39 +$27,798
Step 10 $157,100 $6,042.31 $75.28 +$26,290
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more SEATTLE pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $100,624
  • SEATTLE GS-15 Step 1 $122,570
  • Locality add-on +$21,946
  • Adjustment percent 21.81%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $130,810
  • SEATTLE 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 SEATTLE: 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 SEATTLE pay area adds a 21.81% 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 SEATTLE

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in SEATTLE earns roughly $4,714 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 SEATTLE page.

Other grades in SEATTLE

GS-15 in SEATTLE questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in SEATTLE?
    In 2014, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in SEATTLE earns $122,570 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $157,100. This is 21.81% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in SEATTLE?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For SEATTLE in 2014, it is 21.81%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $21,946 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in SEATTLE?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in SEATTLE earns roughly $4,714 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.