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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$40,442 GS-6 Step 1 in Washington DC (2017)
$52,579 GS-6 Step 10 in Washington DC (2017)
+$8,623 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2017 GS-6 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-6 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $40,442 $1,555.46 $19.38 +$8,623
Step 2 $41,790 $1,607.31 $20.02 +$8,910
Step 3 $43,139 $1,659.19 $20.67 +$9,198
Step 4 $44,488 $1,711.08 $21.32 +$9,486
Step 5 $45,836 $1,762.92 $21.96 +$9,773
Step 6 $47,185 $1,814.81 $22.61 +$10,061
Step 7 $48,533 $1,866.65 $23.25 +$10,348
Step 8 $49,882 $1,918.54 $23.90 +$10,636
Step 9 $51,230 $1,970.38 $24.55 +$10,923
Step 10 $52,579 $2,022.27 $25.19 +$11,211
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Washington DC pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $31,819
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 1 $40,442
  • Locality add-on +$8,623
  • Adjustment percent 27.10%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $41,368
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 10 $52,579

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 Washington DC: what to expect

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

For 2017, the Washington DC pay area adds a 27.10% 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 Washington DC

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,555 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,022. 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 Washington DC page.

Other grades in Washington DC

GS-6 in Washington DC questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Washington DC?
    In 2017, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns $40,442 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $52,579. This is 27.10% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 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-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $8,623 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Washington DC?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,555 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.