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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$126,011 GS-15 Step 1 in CINCINNATI (2018)
$163,813 GS-15 Step 10 in CINCINNATI (2018)
+$20,888 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2018 GS-15 pay table for CINCINNATI

Each step below already includes the 19.87% 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 $126,011 $4,846.58 $60.38 +$20,888
Step 2 $130,211 $5,008.12 $62.39 +$21,584
Step 3 $134,411 $5,169.65 $64.40 +$22,280
Step 4 $138,612 $5,331.23 $66.42 +$22,977
Step 5 $142,812 $5,492.77 $68.43 +$23,673
Step 6 $147,012 $5,654.31 $70.44 +$24,369
Step 7 $151,212 $5,815.85 $72.45 +$25,065
Step 8 $155,413 $5,977.42 $74.47 +$25,762
Step 9 $159,613 $6,138.96 $76.48 +$26,458
Step 10 $163,813 $6,300.50 $78.49 +$27,154
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more CINCINNATI pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $105,123
  • CINCINNATI GS-15 Step 1 $126,011
  • Locality add-on +$20,888
  • Adjustment percent 19.87%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $136,659
  • CINCINNATI GS-15 Step 10 $163,813

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 CINCINNATI: 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 CINCINNATI pay area adds a 19.87% 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 CINCINNATI

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in CINCINNATI earns roughly $4,847 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,301. 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 CINCINNATI page.

Other grades in CINCINNATI

GS-15 in CINCINNATI questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in CINCINNATI?
    In 2018, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in CINCINNATI earns $126,011 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $163,813. This is 19.87% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in CINCINNATI?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For CINCINNATI in 2018, it is 19.87%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $20,888 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in CINCINNATI?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in CINCINNATI earns roughly $4,847 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.