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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$129,233 GS-15 Step 1 in LOS ANGELES (2015)
$158,700 GS-15 Step 10 in LOS ANGELES (2015)
+$27,603 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2015 GS-15 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-15 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $129,233 $4,970.50 $61.92 +$27,603
Step 2 $133,541 $5,136.19 $63.99 +$28,523
Step 3 $137,849 $5,301.88 $66.05 +$29,443
Step 4 $142,157 $5,467.58 $68.12 +$30,363
Step 5 $146,465 $5,633.27 $70.18 +$31,283
Step 6 $150,774 $5,799.00 $72.24 +$32,204
Step 7 $155,082 $5,964.69 $74.31 +$33,124
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 LOS ANGELES pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $101,630
  • LOS ANGELES GS-15 Step 1 $129,233
  • Locality add-on +$27,603
  • Adjustment percent 27.16%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $132,122
  • LOS ANGELES 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 LOS ANGELES: 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 LOS ANGELES pay area adds a 27.16% 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 LOS ANGELES

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $4,971 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 LOS ANGELES page.

Other grades in LOS ANGELES

GS-15 in LOS ANGELES questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in LOS ANGELES?
    In 2015, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns $129,233 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $158,700. This is 27.16% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 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-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $27,603 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in LOS ANGELES?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $4,971 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.