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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$126,834 GS-15 Step 1 in BOSTON (2015)
$158,700 GS-15 Step 10 in BOSTON (2015)
+$25,204 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2015 GS-15 pay table for BOSTON

Each step below already includes the 24.80% 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 $126,834 $4,878.23 $60.77 +$25,204
Step 2 $131,062 $5,040.85 $62.80 +$26,044
Step 3 $135,291 $5,203.50 $64.83 +$26,885
Step 4 $139,519 $5,366.12 $66.85 +$27,725
Step 5 $143,747 $5,528.73 $68.88 +$28,565
Step 6 $147,975 $5,691.35 $70.90 +$29,405
Step 7 $152,204 $5,854.00 $72.93 +$30,246
Step 8 $156,432 $6,016.62 $74.96 +$31,086
Step 9 $158,700 $6,103.85 $76.04 +$29,966
Step 10 $158,700 $6,103.85 $76.04 +$26,578
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more BOSTON pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $101,630
  • BOSTON GS-15 Step 1 $126,834
  • Locality add-on +$25,204
  • Adjustment percent 24.80%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $132,122
  • BOSTON GS-15 Step 10 $158,700

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 BOSTON: 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 2015, the BOSTON pay area adds a 24.80% 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 BOSTON

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns roughly $4,878 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,104. 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-15 BOSTON page.

Other grades in BOSTON

GS-15 in BOSTON questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in BOSTON?
    In 2015, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns $126,834 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $158,700. This is 24.80% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in BOSTON?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For BOSTON in 2015, it is 24.80%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $25,204 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in BOSTON?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns roughly $4,878 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.