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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$40,362 GS-6 Step 1 in CHICAGO (2017)
$52,475 GS-6 Step 10 in CHICAGO (2017)
+$8,543 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2017 GS-6 pay table for CHICAGO

Each step below already includes the 26.85% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-6 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $40,362 $1,552.38 $19.34 +$8,543
Step 2 $41,708 $1,604.15 $19.98 +$8,828
Step 3 $43,054 $1,655.92 $20.63 +$9,113
Step 4 $44,400 $1,707.69 $21.27 +$9,398
Step 5 $45,746 $1,759.46 $21.92 +$9,683
Step 6 $47,092 $1,811.23 $22.56 +$9,968
Step 7 $48,438 $1,863.00 $23.21 +$10,253
Step 8 $49,784 $1,914.77 $23.85 +$10,538
Step 9 $51,129 $1,966.50 $24.50 +$10,822
Step 10 $52,475 $2,018.27 $25.14 +$11,107
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more CHICAGO pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $31,819
  • CHICAGO GS-6 Step 1 $40,362
  • Locality add-on +$8,543
  • Adjustment percent 26.85%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $41,368
  • CHICAGO GS-6 Step 10 $52,475

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-6 in CHICAGO: what to expect

Experienced technicians and mid-level administrative support, including contract specialists, paralegals, medical technicians and HR specialists.

For 2017, the CHICAGO pay area adds a 26.85% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-6 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-5 level, or a master's degree for some series.

Promotion path. Promoted to GS-7 after one year of creditable experience in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-6 is O-1 Second Lieutenant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-6 in CHICAGO

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in CHICAGO earns roughly $1,552 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,018. 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-6 CHICAGO page.

Other grades in CHICAGO

GS-6 in CHICAGO questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in CHICAGO?
    In 2017, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in CHICAGO earns $40,362 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $52,475. This is 26.85% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in CHICAGO?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For CHICAGO in 2017, it is 26.85%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $8,543 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in CHICAGO?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in CHICAGO earns roughly $1,552 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.