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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$116,021 GS-15 Step 1 in Rest of U.S. (2015)
$150,830 GS-15 Step 10 in Rest of U.S. (2015)
+$14,391 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2015 GS-15 pay table for Rest of U.S.

Each step below already includes the 14.16% 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 $116,021 $4,462.35 $55.59 +$14,391
Step 2 $119,889 $4,611.12 $57.45 +$14,871
Step 3 $123,756 $4,759.85 $59.30 +$15,350
Step 4 $127,624 $4,908.62 $61.15 +$15,830
Step 5 $131,492 $5,057.38 $63.01 +$16,310
Step 6 $135,360 $5,206.15 $64.86 +$16,790
Step 7 $139,227 $5,354.88 $66.71 +$17,269
Step 8 $143,095 $5,503.65 $68.56 +$17,749
Step 9 $146,963 $5,652.42 $70.42 +$18,229
Step 10 $150,830 $5,801.15 $72.27 +$18,708
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Rest of U.S. pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $101,630
  • Rest of U.S. GS-15 Step 1 $116,021
  • Locality add-on +$14,391
  • Adjustment percent 14.16%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $132,122
  • Rest of U.S. GS-15 Step 10 $150,830

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 Rest of U.S.: 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 Rest of U.S. pay area adds a 14.16% 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 Rest of U.S.

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Rest of U.S. earns roughly $4,462 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $5,801. 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 Rest of U.S. page.

Other grades in Rest of U.S.

GS-15 in Rest of U.S. questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in Rest of U.S.?
    In 2015, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Rest of U.S. earns $116,021 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $150,830. This is 14.16% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in Rest of U.S.?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Rest of U.S. in 2015, it is 14.16%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $14,391 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in Rest of U.S.?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in Rest of U.S. earns roughly $4,462 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.