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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$125,495 GS-15 Step 1 in SEATTLE (2016)
$160,300 GS-15 Step 10 in SEATTLE (2016)
+$22,849 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2016 GS-15 pay table for SEATTLE

Each step below already includes the 22.26% 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 $125,495 $4,826.73 $60.13 +$22,849
Step 2 $129,679 $4,987.65 $62.14 +$23,611
Step 3 $133,862 $5,148.54 $64.14 +$24,372
Step 4 $138,046 $5,309.46 $66.15 +$25,134
Step 5 $142,230 $5,470.38 $68.15 +$25,896
Step 6 $146,414 $5,631.31 $70.16 +$26,658
Step 7 $150,597 $5,792.19 $72.16 +$27,419
Step 8 $154,781 $5,953.12 $74.16 +$28,181
Step 9 $158,965 $6,114.04 $76.17 +$28,943
Step 10 $160,300 $6,165.38 $76.81 +$26,856
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more SEATTLE pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $102,646
  • SEATTLE GS-15 Step 1 $125,495
  • Locality add-on +$22,849
  • Adjustment percent 22.26%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $133,444
  • SEATTLE 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 SEATTLE: 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 SEATTLE pay area adds a 22.26% 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 SEATTLE

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in SEATTLE earns roughly $4,827 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 SEATTLE page.

Other grades in SEATTLE

GS-15 in SEATTLE questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in SEATTLE?
    In 2016, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in SEATTLE earns $125,495 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $160,300. This is 22.26% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in SEATTLE?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For SEATTLE in 2016, it is 22.26%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $22,849 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in SEATTLE?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in SEATTLE earns roughly $4,827 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.