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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$124,995 GS-15 Step 1 in Washington DC (2014)
$157,100 GS-15 Step 10 in Washington DC (2014)
+$24,371 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2014 GS-15 pay table for Washington DC

Each step below already includes the 24.22% 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 $124,995 $4,807.50 $59.89 +$24,371
Step 2 $129,161 $4,967.73 $61.89 +$25,183
Step 3 $133,328 $5,128.00 $63.89 +$25,996
Step 4 $137,494 $5,288.23 $65.88 +$26,808
Step 5 $141,660 $5,448.46 $67.88 +$27,620
Step 6 $145,827 $5,608.73 $69.87 +$28,433
Step 7 $149,993 $5,768.96 $71.87 +$29,245
Step 8 $154,160 $5,929.23 $73.87 +$30,058
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 Washington DC pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $100,624
  • Washington DC GS-15 Step 1 $124,995
  • Locality add-on +$24,371
  • Adjustment percent 24.22%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $130,810
  • Washington DC 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 Washington DC: 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 Washington DC pay area adds a 24.22% 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 Washington DC

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $4,808 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 Washington DC page.

Other grades in Washington DC

GS-15 in Washington DC questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in Washington DC?
    In 2014, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns $124,995 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $157,100. This is 24.22% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in Washington DC?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Washington DC in 2014, it is 24.22%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $24,371 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in Washington DC?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $4,808 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.