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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$131,384 GS-15 Step 1 in BOSTON (2017)
$161,900 GS-15 Step 10 in BOSTON (2017)
+$27,712 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2017 GS-15 pay table for BOSTON

Each step below already includes the 26.73% 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 $131,384 $5,053.23 $62.95 +$27,712
Step 2 $135,763 $5,221.65 $65.05 +$28,635
Step 3 $140,143 $5,390.12 $67.15 +$29,559
Step 4 $144,523 $5,558.58 $69.25 +$30,483
Step 5 $148,903 $5,727.04 $71.35 +$31,407
Step 6 $153,282 $5,895.46 $73.45 +$32,330
Step 7 $157,662 $6,063.92 $75.54 +$33,254
Step 8 $161,900 $6,226.92 $77.58 +$34,036
Step 9 $161,900 $6,226.92 $77.58 +$30,580
Step 10 $161,900 $6,226.92 $77.58 +$27,124
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more BOSTON pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $103,672
  • BOSTON GS-15 Step 1 $131,384
  • Locality add-on +$27,712
  • Adjustment percent 26.73%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $134,776
  • BOSTON GS-15 Step 10 $161,900

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 BOSTON: 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 2017, the BOSTON pay area adds a 26.73% 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 BOSTON

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns roughly $5,053 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,227. 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-15 BOSTON page.

Other grades in BOSTON

GS-15 in BOSTON questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in BOSTON?
    In 2017, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns $131,384 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $161,900. This is 26.73% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in BOSTON?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For BOSTON in 2017, it is 26.73%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $27,712 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in BOSTON?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns roughly $5,053 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.