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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$126,183 GS-15 Step 1 in DENVER (2016)
$160,300 GS-15 Step 10 in DENVER (2016)
+$23,537 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2016 GS-15 pay table for DENVER

Each step below already includes the 22.93% 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 $126,183 $4,853.19 $60.46 +$23,537
Step 2 $130,389 $5,014.96 $62.48 +$24,321
Step 3 $134,596 $5,176.77 $64.49 +$25,106
Step 4 $138,803 $5,338.58 $66.51 +$25,891
Step 5 $143,009 $5,500.35 $68.52 +$26,675
Step 6 $147,216 $5,662.15 $70.54 +$27,460
Step 7 $151,423 $5,823.96 $72.56 +$28,245
Step 8 $155,629 $5,985.73 $74.57 +$29,029
Step 9 $159,836 $6,147.54 $76.59 +$29,814
Step 10 $160,300 $6,165.38 $76.81 +$26,856
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more DENVER pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $102,646
  • DENVER GS-15 Step 1 $126,183
  • Locality add-on +$23,537
  • Adjustment percent 22.93%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $133,444
  • DENVER GS-15 Step 10 $160,300

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 DENVER: 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 DENVER pay area adds a 22.93% 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 DENVER

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DENVER earns roughly $4,853 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,165. 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 DENVER page.

Other grades in DENVER

GS-15 in DENVER questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in DENVER?
    In 2016, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DENVER earns $126,183 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $160,300. This is 22.93% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in DENVER?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For DENVER in 2016, it is 22.93%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $23,537 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in DENVER?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in DENVER earns roughly $4,853 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.