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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$127,692 GS-15 Step 1 in DETROIT (2016)
$160,300 GS-15 Step 10 in DETROIT (2016)
+$25,046 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2016 GS-15 pay table for DETROIT

Each step below already includes the 24.40% 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 $127,692 $4,911.23 $61.18 +$25,046
Step 2 $131,949 $5,074.96 $63.22 +$25,881
Step 3 $136,206 $5,238.69 $65.26 +$26,716
Step 4 $140,463 $5,402.42 $67.30 +$27,551
Step 5 $144,719 $5,566.12 $69.34 +$28,385
Step 6 $148,976 $5,729.85 $71.38 +$29,220
Step 7 $153,233 $5,893.58 $73.42 +$30,055
Step 8 $157,490 $6,057.31 $75.46 +$30,890
Step 9 $160,300 $6,165.38 $76.81 +$30,278
Step 10 $160,300 $6,165.38 $76.81 +$26,856
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more DETROIT pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $102,646
  • DETROIT GS-15 Step 1 $127,692
  • Locality add-on +$25,046
  • Adjustment percent 24.40%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $133,444
  • DETROIT 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 DETROIT: 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 DETROIT pay area adds a 24.40% 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 DETROIT

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DETROIT earns roughly $4,911 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 DETROIT page.

Other grades in DETROIT

GS-15 in DETROIT questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in DETROIT?
    In 2016, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DETROIT earns $127,692 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $160,300. This is 24.40% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in DETROIT?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For DETROIT in 2016, it is 24.40%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $25,046 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in DETROIT?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in DETROIT earns roughly $4,911 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.