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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$134,011 GS-15 Step 1 in BOSTON (2018)
$164,200 GS-15 Step 10 in BOSTON (2018)
+$28,888 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2018 GS-15 pay table for BOSTON

Each step below already includes the 27.48% 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 $134,011 $5,154.27 $64.21 +$28,888
Step 2 $138,478 $5,326.08 $66.35 +$29,851
Step 3 $142,945 $5,497.88 $68.49 +$30,814
Step 4 $147,411 $5,669.65 $70.63 +$31,776
Step 5 $151,878 $5,841.46 $72.77 +$32,739
Step 6 $156,345 $6,013.27 $74.91 +$33,702
Step 7 $160,812 $6,185.08 $77.05 +$34,665
Step 8 $164,200 $6,315.38 $78.68 +$34,549
Step 9 $164,200 $6,315.38 $78.68 +$31,045
Step 10 $164,200 $6,315.38 $78.68 +$27,541
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more BOSTON pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $105,123
  • BOSTON GS-15 Step 1 $134,011
  • Locality add-on +$28,888
  • Adjustment percent 27.48%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $136,659
  • BOSTON GS-15 Step 10 $164,200

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 BOSTON: 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 BOSTON pay area adds a 27.48% 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 BOSTON

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns roughly $5,154 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,315. 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 BOSTON page.

Other grades in BOSTON

GS-15 in BOSTON questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in BOSTON?
    In 2018, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns $134,011 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $164,200. This is 27.48% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in BOSTON?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For BOSTON in 2018, it is 27.48%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $28,888 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in BOSTON?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns roughly $5,154 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.