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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$79,272 GS-12 Step 1 in LOS ANGELES (2016)
$103,053 GS-12 Step 10 in LOS ANGELES (2016)
+$17,171 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2016 GS-12 pay table for LOS ANGELES

Each step below already includes the 27.65% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-12 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $79,272 $3,048.92 $37.98 +$17,171
Step 2 $81,914 $3,150.54 $39.25 +$17,743
Step 3 $84,557 $3,252.19 $40.52 +$18,316
Step 4 $87,199 $3,353.81 $41.78 +$18,888
Step 5 $89,841 $3,455.42 $43.05 +$19,460
Step 6 $92,484 $3,557.08 $44.31 +$20,033
Step 7 $95,126 $3,658.69 $45.58 +$20,605
Step 8 $97,768 $3,760.31 $46.85 +$21,177
Step 9 $100,411 $3,861.96 $48.11 +$21,750
Step 10 $103,053 $3,963.58 $49.38 +$22,322
← GS-11 Calculate my take-home GS-13 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more LOS ANGELES pays

  • Base GS-12 Step 1 $62,101
  • LOS ANGELES GS-12 Step 1 $79,272
  • Locality add-on +$17,171
  • Adjustment percent 27.65%
  • Base GS-12 Step 10 $80,731
  • LOS ANGELES GS-12 Step 10 $103,053

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-12 in LOS ANGELES: what to expect

Experienced professionals and working-level experts. This is the most common GS grade for mid-career federal employees. Many policy, acquisition, engineering and scientific specialists sit at GS-12.

For 2016, the LOS ANGELES pay area adds a 27.65% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-12 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-11 level.

Promotion path. Competitive promotion to GS-13 requires a GS-13 vacancy and selection on merit.

The rough military equivalent for GS-12 is O-5 Lieutenant Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-12 in LOS ANGELES

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $3,049 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $3,964. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Note. This is the archived 2016 table. For current pay, open the latest GS-12 LOS ANGELES page.

Other grades in LOS ANGELES

GS-12 in LOS ANGELES questions

  • How much does a GS-12 make in LOS ANGELES?
    In 2016, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns $79,272 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $103,053. This is 27.65% higher than the base GS-12 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-12 in LOS ANGELES?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For LOS ANGELES in 2016, it is 27.65%. On a GS-12 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $17,171 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-12 in LOS ANGELES?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-12 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $3,049 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.