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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$77,459 GS-12 Step 1 in SAN DIEGO (2016)
$100,696 GS-12 Step 10 in SAN DIEGO (2016)
+$15,358 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2016 GS-12 pay table for SAN DIEGO

Each step below already includes the 24.73% 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 $77,459 $2,979.19 $37.11 +$15,358
Step 2 $80,040 $3,078.46 $38.35 +$15,869
Step 3 $82,622 $3,177.77 $39.59 +$16,381
Step 4 $85,204 $3,277.08 $40.83 +$16,893
Step 5 $87,786 $3,376.38 $42.06 +$17,405
Step 6 $90,368 $3,475.69 $43.30 +$17,917
Step 7 $92,950 $3,575.00 $44.54 +$18,429
Step 8 $95,532 $3,674.31 $45.77 +$18,941
Step 9 $98,114 $3,773.62 $47.01 +$19,453
Step 10 $100,696 $3,872.92 $48.25 +$19,965
← GS-11 Calculate my take-home GS-13 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more SAN DIEGO pays

  • Base GS-12 Step 1 $62,101
  • SAN DIEGO GS-12 Step 1 $77,459
  • Locality add-on +$15,358
  • Adjustment percent 24.73%
  • Base GS-12 Step 10 $80,731
  • SAN DIEGO GS-12 Step 10 $100,696

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 SAN DIEGO: 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 SAN DIEGO pay area adds a 24.73% 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 SAN DIEGO

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $2,979 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $3,873. 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 SAN DIEGO page.

Other grades in SAN DIEGO

GS-12 in SAN DIEGO questions

  • How much does a GS-12 make in SAN DIEGO?
    In 2016, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns $77,459 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $100,696. This is 24.73% higher than the base GS-12 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-12 in SAN DIEGO?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For SAN DIEGO in 2016, it is 24.73%. On a GS-12 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $15,358 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-12 in SAN DIEGO?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-12 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $2,979 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.