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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$122,924 GS-15 Step 1 in PHOENIX (2017)
$159,804 GS-15 Step 10 in PHOENIX (2017)
+$19,252 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2017 GS-15 pay table for PHOENIX

Each step below already includes the 18.57% 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 $122,924 $4,727.85 $58.90 +$19,252
Step 2 $127,022 $4,885.46 $60.86 +$19,894
Step 3 $131,119 $5,043.04 $62.83 +$20,535
Step 4 $135,217 $5,200.65 $64.79 +$21,177
Step 5 $139,315 $5,358.27 $66.75 +$21,819
Step 6 $143,413 $5,515.88 $68.72 +$22,461
Step 7 $147,511 $5,673.50 $70.68 +$23,103
Step 8 $151,608 $5,831.08 $72.64 +$23,744
Step 9 $155,706 $5,988.69 $74.61 +$24,386
Step 10 $159,804 $6,146.31 $76.57 +$25,028
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more PHOENIX pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $103,672
  • PHOENIX GS-15 Step 1 $122,924
  • Locality add-on +$19,252
  • Adjustment percent 18.57%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $134,776
  • PHOENIX GS-15 Step 10 $159,804

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 PHOENIX: 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 PHOENIX pay area adds a 18.57% 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 PHOENIX

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in PHOENIX earns roughly $4,728 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,146. 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 PHOENIX page.

Other grades in PHOENIX

GS-15 in PHOENIX questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in PHOENIX?
    In 2017, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in PHOENIX earns $122,924 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $159,804. This is 18.57% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in PHOENIX?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For PHOENIX in 2017, it is 18.57%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $19,252 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in PHOENIX?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in PHOENIX earns roughly $4,728 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.