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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$132,526 GS-15 Step 1 in HOUSTON (2016)
$160,300 GS-15 Step 10 in HOUSTON (2016)
+$29,880 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2016 GS-15 pay table for HOUSTON

Each step below already includes the 29.11% 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 $132,526 $5,097.15 $63.50 +$29,880
Step 2 $136,944 $5,267.08 $65.62 +$30,876
Step 3 $141,363 $5,437.04 $67.74 +$31,873
Step 4 $145,781 $5,606.96 $69.85 +$32,869
Step 5 $150,199 $5,776.88 $71.97 +$33,865
Step 6 $154,617 $5,946.81 $74.09 +$34,861
Step 7 $159,035 $6,116.73 $76.20 +$35,857
Step 8 $160,300 $6,165.38 $76.81 +$33,700
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 HOUSTON pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $102,646
  • HOUSTON GS-15 Step 1 $132,526
  • Locality add-on +$29,880
  • Adjustment percent 29.11%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $133,444
  • HOUSTON 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 HOUSTON: 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 HOUSTON pay area adds a 29.11% 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 HOUSTON

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in HOUSTON earns roughly $5,097 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 HOUSTON page.

Other grades in HOUSTON

GS-15 in HOUSTON questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in HOUSTON?
    In 2016, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in HOUSTON earns $132,526 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $160,300. This is 29.11% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in HOUSTON?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For HOUSTON in 2016, it is 29.11%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $29,880 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in HOUSTON?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in HOUSTON earns roughly $5,097 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.