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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$126,232 GS-15 Step 1 in CLEVELAND (2018)
$164,100 GS-15 Step 10 in CLEVELAND (2018)
+$21,109 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2018 GS-15 pay table for CLEVELAND

Each step below already includes the 20.08% 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 $126,232 $4,855.08 $60.48 +$21,109
Step 2 $130,439 $5,016.88 $62.50 +$21,812
Step 3 $134,647 $5,178.73 $64.52 +$22,516
Step 4 $138,855 $5,340.58 $66.53 +$23,220
Step 5 $143,062 $5,502.38 $68.55 +$23,923
Step 6 $147,270 $5,664.23 $70.57 +$24,627
Step 7 $151,477 $5,826.04 $72.58 +$25,330
Step 8 $155,685 $5,987.88 $74.60 +$26,034
Step 9 $159,893 $6,149.73 $76.61 +$26,738
Step 10 $164,100 $6,311.54 $78.63 +$27,441
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more CLEVELAND pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $105,123
  • CLEVELAND GS-15 Step 1 $126,232
  • Locality add-on +$21,109
  • Adjustment percent 20.08%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $136,659
  • CLEVELAND GS-15 Step 10 $164,100

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 CLEVELAND: 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 CLEVELAND pay area adds a 20.08% 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 CLEVELAND

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in CLEVELAND earns roughly $4,855 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,312. 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 CLEVELAND page.

Other grades in CLEVELAND

GS-15 in CLEVELAND questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in CLEVELAND?
    In 2018, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in CLEVELAND earns $126,232 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $164,100. This is 20.08% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in CLEVELAND?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For CLEVELAND in 2018, it is 20.08%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $21,109 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in CLEVELAND?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in CLEVELAND earns roughly $4,855 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.