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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$122,689 GS-15 Step 1 in AUSTIN (2018)
$159,495 GS-15 Step 10 in AUSTIN (2018)
+$17,566 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2018 GS-15 pay table for AUSTIN

Each step below already includes the 16.71% 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 $122,689 $4,718.81 $58.79 +$17,566
Step 2 $126,779 $4,876.12 $60.75 +$18,152
Step 3 $130,868 $5,033.38 $62.71 +$18,737
Step 4 $134,958 $5,190.69 $64.67 +$19,323
Step 5 $139,047 $5,347.96 $66.63 +$19,908
Step 6 $143,137 $5,505.27 $68.59 +$20,494
Step 7 $147,226 $5,662.54 $70.54 +$21,079
Step 8 $151,316 $5,819.85 $72.50 +$21,665
Step 9 $155,405 $5,977.12 $74.46 +$22,250
Step 10 $159,495 $6,134.42 $76.42 +$22,836
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more AUSTIN pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $105,123
  • AUSTIN GS-15 Step 1 $122,689
  • Locality add-on +$17,566
  • Adjustment percent 16.71%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $136,659
  • AUSTIN GS-15 Step 10 $159,495

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 AUSTIN: 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 2018, the AUSTIN pay area adds a 16.71% 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 AUSTIN

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in AUSTIN earns roughly $4,719 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,134. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Note. This is the archived 2018 table. For current pay, open the latest GS-15 AUSTIN page.

Other grades in AUSTIN

GS-15 in AUSTIN questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in AUSTIN?
    In 2018, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in AUSTIN earns $122,689 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $159,495. This is 16.71% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in AUSTIN?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For AUSTIN in 2018, it is 16.71%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $17,566 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in AUSTIN?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in AUSTIN earns roughly $4,719 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.