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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$131,643 GS-15 Step 1 in SAN DIEGO (2017)
$161,900 GS-15 Step 10 in SAN DIEGO (2017)
+$27,971 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2017 GS-15 pay table for SAN DIEGO

Each step below already includes the 26.98% 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 $131,643 $5,063.19 $63.08 +$27,971
Step 2 $136,031 $5,231.96 $65.18 +$28,903
Step 3 $140,420 $5,400.77 $67.28 +$29,836
Step 4 $144,808 $5,569.54 $69.39 +$30,768
Step 5 $149,196 $5,738.31 $71.49 +$31,700
Step 6 $153,585 $5,907.12 $73.59 +$32,633
Step 7 $157,973 $6,075.88 $75.69 +$33,565
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 SAN DIEGO pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $103,672
  • SAN DIEGO GS-15 Step 1 $131,643
  • Locality add-on +$27,971
  • Adjustment percent 26.98%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $134,776
  • SAN DIEGO 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 SAN DIEGO: 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 SAN DIEGO pay area adds a 26.98% 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 SAN DIEGO

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $5,063 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 SAN DIEGO page.

Other grades in SAN DIEGO

GS-15 in SAN DIEGO questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in SAN DIEGO?
    In 2017, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns $131,643 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $161,900. This is 26.98% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in SAN DIEGO?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For SAN DIEGO in 2017, it is 26.98%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $27,971 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in SAN DIEGO?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $5,063 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.