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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$130,808 GS-15 Step 1 in HOUSTON (2015)
$158,700 GS-15 Step 10 in HOUSTON (2015)
+$29,178 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2015 GS-15 pay table for HOUSTON

Each step below already includes the 28.71% 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 $130,808 $5,031.08 $62.68 +$29,178
Step 2 $135,169 $5,198.81 $64.77 +$30,151
Step 3 $139,529 $5,366.50 $66.86 +$31,123
Step 4 $143,890 $5,534.23 $68.95 +$32,096
Step 5 $148,251 $5,701.96 $71.04 +$33,069
Step 6 $152,611 $5,869.65 $73.12 +$34,041
Step 7 $156,972 $6,037.38 $75.21 +$35,014
Step 8 $158,700 $6,103.85 $76.04 +$33,354
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 HOUSTON pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $101,630
  • HOUSTON GS-15 Step 1 $130,808
  • Locality add-on +$29,178
  • Adjustment percent 28.71%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $132,122
  • HOUSTON 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 HOUSTON: 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 HOUSTON pay area adds a 28.71% 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 HOUSTON

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in HOUSTON earns roughly $5,031 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 HOUSTON page.

Other grades in HOUSTON

GS-15 in HOUSTON questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in HOUSTON?
    In 2015, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in HOUSTON earns $130,808 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $158,700. This is 28.71% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in HOUSTON?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For HOUSTON in 2015, it is 28.71%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $29,178 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in HOUSTON?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in HOUSTON earns roughly $5,031 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.