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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$129,227 GS-15 Step 1 in DENVER (2017)
$161,900 GS-15 Step 10 in DENVER (2017)
+$25,555 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2017 GS-15 pay table for DENVER

Each step below already includes the 24.65% 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 $129,227 $4,970.27 $61.92 +$25,555
Step 2 $133,535 $5,135.96 $63.98 +$26,407
Step 3 $137,843 $5,301.65 $66.05 +$27,259
Step 4 $142,151 $5,467.35 $68.11 +$28,111
Step 5 $146,459 $5,633.04 $70.18 +$28,963
Step 6 $150,767 $5,798.73 $72.24 +$29,815
Step 7 $155,075 $5,964.42 $74.31 +$30,667
Step 8 $159,382 $6,130.08 $76.37 +$31,518
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 DENVER pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $103,672
  • DENVER GS-15 Step 1 $129,227
  • Locality add-on +$25,555
  • Adjustment percent 24.65%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $134,776
  • DENVER 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 DENVER: 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 DENVER pay area adds a 24.65% 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 DENVER

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DENVER earns roughly $4,970 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 DENVER page.

Other grades in DENVER

GS-15 in DENVER questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in DENVER?
    In 2017, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DENVER earns $129,227 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $161,900. This is 24.65% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in DENVER?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For DENVER in 2017, it is 24.65%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $25,555 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in DENVER?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in DENVER earns roughly $4,970 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.