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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$120,517 GS-15 Step 1 in COLUMBUS (2016)
$156,677 GS-15 Step 10 in COLUMBUS (2016)
+$17,871 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2016 GS-15 pay table for COLUMBUS

Each step below already includes the 17.41% 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 $120,517 $4,635.27 $57.75 +$17,871
Step 2 $124,534 $4,789.77 $59.67 +$18,466
Step 3 $128,552 $4,944.31 $61.60 +$19,062
Step 4 $132,570 $5,098.85 $63.52 +$19,658
Step 5 $136,588 $5,253.38 $65.45 +$20,254
Step 6 $140,606 $5,407.92 $67.37 +$20,850
Step 7 $144,623 $5,562.42 $69.30 +$21,445
Step 8 $148,641 $5,716.96 $71.22 +$22,041
Step 9 $152,659 $5,871.50 $73.15 +$22,637
Step 10 $156,677 $6,026.04 $75.07 +$23,233
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more COLUMBUS pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $102,646
  • COLUMBUS GS-15 Step 1 $120,517
  • Locality add-on +$17,871
  • Adjustment percent 17.41%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $133,444
  • COLUMBUS GS-15 Step 10 $156,677

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 COLUMBUS: 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 COLUMBUS pay area adds a 17.41% 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 COLUMBUS

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in COLUMBUS earns roughly $4,635 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,026. 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 COLUMBUS page.

Other grades in COLUMBUS

GS-15 in COLUMBUS questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in COLUMBUS?
    In 2016, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in COLUMBUS earns $120,517 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $156,677. This is 17.41% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in COLUMBUS?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For COLUMBUS in 2016, it is 17.41%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $17,871 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in COLUMBUS?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in COLUMBUS earns roughly $4,635 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.