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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$39,311 GS-6 Step 1 in Washington DC (2016)
$51,102 GS-6 Step 10 in Washington DC (2016)
+$7,807 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2016 GS-6 pay table for Washington DC

Each step below already includes the 24.78% 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 $39,311 $1,511.96 $18.84 +$7,807
Step 2 $40,621 $1,562.35 $19.46 +$8,067
Step 3 $41,931 $1,612.73 $20.09 +$8,327
Step 4 $43,241 $1,663.12 $20.72 +$8,587
Step 5 $44,551 $1,713.50 $21.35 +$8,847
Step 6 $45,862 $1,763.92 $21.98 +$9,108
Step 7 $47,172 $1,814.31 $22.60 +$9,368
Step 8 $48,482 $1,864.69 $23.23 +$9,628
Step 9 $49,792 $1,915.08 $23.86 +$9,888
Step 10 $51,102 $1,965.46 $24.49 +$10,148
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Washington DC pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $31,504
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 1 $39,311
  • Locality add-on +$7,807
  • Adjustment percent 24.78%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $40,954
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 10 $51,102

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 Washington DC: what to expect

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

For 2016, the Washington DC pay area adds a 24.78% 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 Washington DC

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,512 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,965. 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 Washington DC page.

Other grades in Washington DC

GS-6 in Washington DC questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Washington DC?
    In 2016, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns $39,311 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $51,102. This is 24.78% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in Washington DC?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Washington DC in 2016, it is 24.78%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $7,807 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Washington DC?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,512 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.