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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$38,747 GS-6 Step 1 in Washington DC (2015)
$50,374 GS-6 Step 10 in Washington DC (2015)
+$7,555 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2015 GS-6 pay table for Washington DC

Each step below already includes the 24.22% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-6 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $38,747 $1,490.27 $18.57 +$7,555
Step 2 $40,039 $1,539.96 $19.18 +$7,807
Step 3 $41,330 $1,589.62 $19.80 +$8,058
Step 4 $42,622 $1,639.31 $20.42 +$8,310
Step 5 $43,914 $1,689.00 $21.04 +$8,562
Step 6 $45,206 $1,738.69 $21.66 +$8,814
Step 7 $46,498 $1,788.38 $22.28 +$9,066
Step 8 $47,790 $1,838.08 $22.90 +$9,318
Step 9 $49,082 $1,887.77 $23.52 +$9,570
Step 10 $50,374 $1,937.46 $24.14 +$9,822
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Washington DC pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $31,192
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 1 $38,747
  • Locality add-on +$7,555
  • Adjustment percent 24.22%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $40,552
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 10 $50,374

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-6 in Washington DC: what to expect

Experienced technicians and mid-level administrative support, including contract specialists, paralegals, medical technicians and HR specialists.

For 2015, the Washington DC pay area adds a 24.22% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-6 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-5 level, or a master's degree for some series.

Promotion path. Promoted to GS-7 after one year of creditable experience in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-6 is O-1 Second Lieutenant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-6 in Washington DC

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,490 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,937. 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-6 Washington DC page.

Other grades in Washington DC

GS-6 in Washington DC questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Washington DC?
    In 2015, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns $38,747 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $50,374. This is 24.22% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in Washington DC?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Washington DC in 2015, it is 24.22%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $7,555 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Washington DC?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,490 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.