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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$135,779 GS-15 Step 1 in HOUSTON (2017)
$161,900 GS-15 Step 10 in HOUSTON (2017)
+$32,107 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2017 GS-15 pay table for HOUSTON

Each step below already includes the 30.97% 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 $135,779 $5,222.27 $65.06 +$32,107
Step 2 $140,306 $5,396.38 $67.23 +$33,178
Step 3 $144,832 $5,570.46 $69.40 +$34,248
Step 4 $149,358 $5,744.54 $71.57 +$35,318
Step 5 $153,885 $5,918.65 $73.74 +$36,389
Step 6 $158,411 $6,092.73 $75.90 +$37,459
Step 7 $161,900 $6,226.92 $77.58 +$37,492
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 HOUSTON pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $103,672
  • HOUSTON GS-15 Step 1 $135,779
  • Locality add-on +$32,107
  • Adjustment percent 30.97%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $134,776
  • HOUSTON 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 HOUSTON: 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 HOUSTON pay area adds a 30.97% 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 HOUSTON

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in HOUSTON earns roughly $5,222 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 HOUSTON page.

Other grades in HOUSTON

GS-15 in HOUSTON questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in HOUSTON?
    In 2017, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in HOUSTON earns $135,779 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $161,900. This is 30.97% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in HOUSTON?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For HOUSTON in 2017, it is 30.97%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $32,107 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in HOUSTON?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in HOUSTON earns roughly $5,222 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.