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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$121,902 GS-15 Step 1 in CINCINNATI (2016)
$158,478 GS-15 Step 10 in CINCINNATI (2016)
+$19,256 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2016 GS-15 pay table for CINCINNATI

Each step below already includes the 18.76% 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 $121,902 $4,688.54 $58.41 +$19,256
Step 2 $125,966 $4,844.85 $60.36 +$19,898
Step 3 $130,030 $5,001.15 $62.30 +$20,540
Step 4 $134,094 $5,157.46 $64.25 +$21,182
Step 5 $138,158 $5,313.77 $66.20 +$21,824
Step 6 $142,222 $5,470.08 $68.15 +$22,466
Step 7 $146,286 $5,626.38 $70.09 +$23,108
Step 8 $150,350 $5,782.69 $72.04 +$23,750
Step 9 $154,414 $5,939.00 $73.99 +$24,392
Step 10 $158,478 $6,095.31 $75.94 +$25,034
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more CINCINNATI pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $102,646
  • CINCINNATI GS-15 Step 1 $121,902
  • Locality add-on +$19,256
  • Adjustment percent 18.76%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $133,444
  • CINCINNATI GS-15 Step 10 $158,478

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 CINCINNATI: 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 2016, the CINCINNATI pay area adds a 18.76% 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 CINCINNATI

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in CINCINNATI earns roughly $4,689 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,095. 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-15 CINCINNATI page.

Other grades in CINCINNATI

GS-15 in CINCINNATI questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in CINCINNATI?
    In 2016, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in CINCINNATI earns $121,902 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $158,478. This is 18.76% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in CINCINNATI?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For CINCINNATI in 2016, it is 18.76%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $19,256 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in CINCINNATI?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in CINCINNATI earns roughly $4,689 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.