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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$32,428 GS-4 Step 1 in Washington DC (2017)
$42,151 GS-4 Step 10 in Washington DC (2017)
+$6,914 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2017 GS-4 pay table for Washington DC

Each step below already includes the 27.10% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-4 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $32,428 $1,247.23 $15.54 +$6,914
Step 2 $33,509 $1,288.81 $16.06 +$7,145
Step 3 $34,589 $1,330.35 $16.57 +$7,375
Step 4 $35,669 $1,371.88 $17.09 +$7,605
Step 5 $36,750 $1,413.46 $17.61 +$7,836
Step 6 $37,830 $1,455.00 $18.13 +$8,066
Step 7 $38,910 $1,496.54 $18.64 +$8,296
Step 8 $39,991 $1,538.12 $19.16 +$8,527
Step 9 $41,071 $1,579.65 $19.68 +$8,757
Step 10 $42,151 $1,621.19 $20.20 +$8,987
← GS-3 Calculate my take-home GS-5 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Washington DC pays

  • Base GS-4 Step 1 $25,514
  • Washington DC GS-4 Step 1 $32,428
  • Locality add-on +$6,914
  • Adjustment percent 27.10%
  • Base GS-4 Step 10 $33,164
  • Washington DC GS-4 Step 10 $42,151

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-4 in Washington DC: what to expect

Office assistants, supply and inventory clerks, entry-level technicians and program aides.

For 2017, the Washington DC pay area adds a 27.10% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-4 employee assigned to this area benefits from that same percentage, regardless of step or series.

Qualifications and career path

Minimum qualifications. Two years of post-secondary education, an associate's degree, or one year of GS-3 equivalent experience.

Promotion path. Usually promoted to GS-5 after one year in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-4 is E-5 Sergeant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-4 in Washington DC

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,247 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,621. 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-4 Washington DC page.

Other grades in Washington DC

GS-4 in Washington DC questions

  • How much does a GS-4 make in Washington DC?
    In 2017, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns $32,428 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $42,151. This is 27.10% higher than the base GS-4 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-4 in Washington DC?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Washington DC in 2017, it is 27.10%. On a GS-4 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $6,914 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-4 in Washington DC?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-4 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,247 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.