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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$134,411 GS-15 Step 1 in LOS ANGELES (2017)
$161,900 GS-15 Step 10 in LOS ANGELES (2017)
+$30,739 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2017 GS-15 pay table for LOS ANGELES

Each step below already includes the 29.65% 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 $134,411 $5,169.65 $64.40 +$30,739
Step 2 $138,891 $5,341.96 $66.55 +$31,763
Step 3 $143,372 $5,514.31 $68.70 +$32,788
Step 4 $147,853 $5,686.65 $70.84 +$33,813
Step 5 $152,334 $5,859.00 $72.99 +$34,838
Step 6 $156,814 $6,031.31 $75.14 +$35,862
Step 7 $161,295 $6,203.65 $77.29 +$36,887
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 LOS ANGELES pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $103,672
  • LOS ANGELES GS-15 Step 1 $134,411
  • Locality add-on +$30,739
  • Adjustment percent 29.65%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $134,776
  • LOS ANGELES 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 LOS ANGELES: 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 LOS ANGELES pay area adds a 29.65% 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 LOS ANGELES

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $5,170 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 LOS ANGELES page.

Other grades in LOS ANGELES

GS-15 in LOS ANGELES questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in LOS ANGELES?
    In 2017, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns $134,411 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $161,900. This is 29.65% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in LOS ANGELES?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For LOS ANGELES in 2017, it is 29.65%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $30,739 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in LOS ANGELES?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $5,170 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.