An independent federal pay resource. Not affiliated with OPM or any U.S. government agency.

Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$36,025 GS-6 Step 1 in Rest of U.S. (2016)
$46,831 GS-6 Step 10 in Rest of U.S. (2016)
+$4,521 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2016 GS-6 pay table for Rest of U.S.

Each step below already includes the 14.35% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-6 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $36,025 $1,385.58 $17.26 +$4,521
Step 2 $37,225 $1,431.73 $17.84 +$4,671
Step 3 $38,426 $1,477.92 $18.41 +$4,822
Step 4 $39,627 $1,524.12 $18.99 +$4,973
Step 5 $40,828 $1,570.31 $19.56 +$5,124
Step 6 $42,028 $1,616.46 $20.14 +$5,274
Step 7 $43,229 $1,662.65 $20.71 +$5,425
Step 8 $44,430 $1,708.85 $21.29 +$5,576
Step 9 $45,630 $1,755.00 $21.86 +$5,726
Step 10 $46,831 $1,801.19 $22.44 +$5,877
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Rest of U.S. pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $31,504
  • Rest of U.S. GS-6 Step 1 $36,025
  • Locality add-on +$4,521
  • Adjustment percent 14.35%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $40,954
  • Rest of U.S. GS-6 Step 10 $46,831

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-6 in Rest of U.S.: what to expect

Experienced technicians and mid-level administrative support, including contract specialists, paralegals, medical technicians and HR specialists.

For 2016, the Rest of U.S. pay area adds a 14.35% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-6 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-5 level, or a master's degree for some series.

Promotion path. Promoted to GS-7 after one year of creditable experience in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-6 is O-1 Second Lieutenant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-6 in Rest of U.S.

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Rest of U.S. earns roughly $1,386 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,801. 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-6 Rest of U.S. page.

Other grades in Rest of U.S.

GS-6 in Rest of U.S. questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Rest of U.S.?
    In 2016, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Rest of U.S. earns $36,025 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $46,831. This is 14.35% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in Rest of U.S.?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Rest of U.S. in 2016, it is 14.35%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $4,521 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Rest of U.S.?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Rest of U.S. earns roughly $1,386 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.