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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$128,030 GS-15 Step 1 in SAN DIEGO (2016)
$160,300 GS-15 Step 10 in SAN DIEGO (2016)
+$25,384 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2016 GS-15 pay table for SAN DIEGO

Each step below already includes the 24.73% 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 $128,030 $4,924.23 $61.35 +$25,384
Step 2 $132,299 $5,088.42 $63.39 +$26,231
Step 3 $136,567 $5,252.58 $65.44 +$27,077
Step 4 $140,835 $5,416.73 $67.48 +$27,923
Step 5 $145,103 $5,580.88 $69.53 +$28,769
Step 6 $149,372 $5,745.08 $71.57 +$29,616
Step 7 $153,640 $5,909.23 $73.62 +$30,462
Step 8 $157,908 $6,073.38 $75.66 +$31,308
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 SAN DIEGO pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $102,646
  • SAN DIEGO GS-15 Step 1 $128,030
  • Locality add-on +$25,384
  • Adjustment percent 24.73%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $133,444
  • SAN DIEGO 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 SAN DIEGO: 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 SAN DIEGO pay area adds a 24.73% 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 SAN DIEGO

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $4,924 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 SAN DIEGO page.

Other grades in SAN DIEGO

GS-15 in SAN DIEGO questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in SAN DIEGO?
    In 2016, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns $128,030 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $160,300. This is 24.73% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in SAN DIEGO?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For SAN DIEGO in 2016, it is 24.73%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $25,384 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in SAN DIEGO?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $4,924 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.