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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$131,028 GS-15 Step 1 in LOS ANGELES (2016)
$160,300 GS-15 Step 10 in LOS ANGELES (2016)
+$28,382 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2016 GS-15 pay table for LOS ANGELES

Each step below already includes the 27.65% 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 $131,028 $5,039.54 $62.78 +$28,382
Step 2 $135,396 $5,207.54 $64.88 +$29,328
Step 3 $139,764 $5,375.54 $66.97 +$30,274
Step 4 $144,132 $5,543.54 $69.06 +$31,220
Step 5 $148,500 $5,711.54 $71.15 +$32,166
Step 6 $152,869 $5,879.58 $73.25 +$33,113
Step 7 $157,237 $6,047.58 $75.34 +$34,059
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 LOS ANGELES pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $102,646
  • LOS ANGELES GS-15 Step 1 $131,028
  • Locality add-on +$28,382
  • Adjustment percent 27.65%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $133,444
  • LOS ANGELES 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 LOS ANGELES: 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 LOS ANGELES pay area adds a 27.65% 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 LOS ANGELES

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $5,040 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 LOS ANGELES page.

Other grades in LOS ANGELES

GS-15 in LOS ANGELES questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in LOS ANGELES?
    In 2016, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns $131,028 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $160,300. This is 27.65% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in LOS ANGELES?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For LOS ANGELES in 2016, it is 27.65%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $28,382 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in LOS ANGELES?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $5,040 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.