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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$78,186 GS-12 Step 1 in LOS ANGELES (2015)
$101,647 GS-12 Step 10 in LOS ANGELES (2015)
+$16,700 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2015 GS-12 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-12 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $78,186 $3,007.15 $37.46 +$16,700
Step 2 $80,792 $3,107.38 $38.71 +$17,256
Step 3 $83,399 $3,207.65 $39.96 +$17,813
Step 4 $86,006 $3,307.92 $41.21 +$18,370
Step 5 $88,613 $3,408.19 $42.46 +$18,927
Step 6 $91,219 $3,508.42 $43.71 +$19,483
Step 7 $93,826 $3,608.69 $44.96 +$20,040
Step 8 $96,433 $3,708.96 $46.21 +$20,597
Step 9 $99,040 $3,809.23 $47.46 +$21,154
Step 10 $101,647 $3,909.50 $48.70 +$21,711
← GS-11 Calculate my take-home GS-13 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more LOS ANGELES pays

  • Base GS-12 Step 1 $61,486
  • LOS ANGELES GS-12 Step 1 $78,186
  • Locality add-on +$16,700
  • Adjustment percent 27.16%
  • Base GS-12 Step 10 $79,936
  • LOS ANGELES GS-12 Step 10 $101,647

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-12 in LOS ANGELES: what to expect

Experienced professionals and working-level experts. This is the most common GS grade for mid-career federal employees. Many policy, acquisition, engineering and scientific specialists sit at GS-12.

For 2015, the LOS ANGELES pay area adds a 27.16% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-12 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-11 level.

Promotion path. Competitive promotion to GS-13 requires a GS-13 vacancy and selection on merit.

The rough military equivalent for GS-12 is O-5 Lieutenant Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-12 in LOS ANGELES

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $3,007 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $3,910. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Note. This is the archived 2015 table. For current pay, open the latest GS-12 LOS ANGELES page.

Other grades in LOS ANGELES

GS-12 in LOS ANGELES questions

  • How much does a GS-12 make in LOS ANGELES?
    In 2015, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns $78,186 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $101,647. This is 27.16% higher than the base GS-12 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-12 in LOS ANGELES?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For LOS ANGELES in 2015, it is 27.16%. On a GS-12 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $16,700 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-12 in LOS ANGELES?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-12 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $3,007 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.