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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$79,644 GS-12 Step 1 in SAN DIEGO (2017)
$103,541 GS-12 Step 10 in SAN DIEGO (2017)
+$16,922 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2017 GS-12 pay table for SAN DIEGO

Each step below already includes the 26.98% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-12 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $79,644 $3,063.23 $38.16 +$16,922
Step 2 $82,300 $3,165.38 $39.43 +$17,487
Step 3 $84,955 $3,267.50 $40.71 +$18,051
Step 4 $87,610 $3,369.62 $41.98 +$18,615
Step 5 $90,265 $3,471.73 $43.25 +$19,179
Step 6 $92,920 $3,573.85 $44.52 +$19,743
Step 7 $95,575 $3,675.96 $45.80 +$20,307
Step 8 $98,230 $3,778.08 $47.07 +$20,871
Step 9 $100,886 $3,880.23 $48.34 +$21,436
Step 10 $103,541 $3,982.35 $49.61 +$22,000
← GS-11 Calculate my take-home GS-13 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more SAN DIEGO pays

  • Base GS-12 Step 1 $62,722
  • SAN DIEGO GS-12 Step 1 $79,644
  • Locality add-on +$16,922
  • Adjustment percent 26.98%
  • Base GS-12 Step 10 $81,541
  • SAN DIEGO GS-12 Step 10 $103,541

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-12 in SAN DIEGO: what to expect

Experienced professionals and working-level experts. This is the most common GS grade for mid-career federal employees. Many policy, acquisition, engineering and scientific specialists sit at GS-12.

For 2017, the SAN DIEGO pay area adds a 26.98% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-12 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-11 level.

Promotion path. Competitive promotion to GS-13 requires a GS-13 vacancy and selection on merit.

The rough military equivalent for GS-12 is O-5 Lieutenant Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-12 in SAN DIEGO

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $3,063 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $3,982. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Note. This is the archived 2017 table. For current pay, open the latest GS-12 SAN DIEGO page.

Other grades in SAN DIEGO

GS-12 in SAN DIEGO questions

  • How much does a GS-12 make in SAN DIEGO?
    In 2017, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns $79,644 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $103,541. This is 26.98% higher than the base GS-12 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-12 in SAN DIEGO?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For SAN DIEGO in 2017, it is 26.98%. On a GS-12 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $16,922 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-12 in SAN DIEGO?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-12 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $3,063 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.