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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$132,718 GS-15 Step 1 in DETROIT (2018)
$164,200 GS-15 Step 10 in DETROIT (2018)
+$27,595 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2018 GS-15 pay table for DETROIT

Each step below already includes the 26.25% 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 $132,718 $5,104.54 $63.59 +$27,595
Step 2 $137,142 $5,274.69 $65.71 +$28,515
Step 3 $141,565 $5,444.81 $67.83 +$29,434
Step 4 $145,989 $5,614.96 $69.95 +$30,354
Step 5 $150,413 $5,785.12 $72.07 +$31,274
Step 6 $154,837 $5,955.27 $74.19 +$32,194
Step 7 $159,261 $6,125.42 $76.31 +$33,114
Step 8 $163,684 $6,295.54 $78.43 +$34,033
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 DETROIT pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $105,123
  • DETROIT GS-15 Step 1 $132,718
  • Locality add-on +$27,595
  • Adjustment percent 26.25%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $136,659
  • DETROIT 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 DETROIT: 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 DETROIT pay area adds a 26.25% 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 DETROIT

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DETROIT earns roughly $5,105 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 DETROIT page.

Other grades in DETROIT

GS-15 in DETROIT questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in DETROIT?
    In 2018, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DETROIT earns $132,718 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $164,200. This is 26.25% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in DETROIT?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For DETROIT in 2018, it is 26.25%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $27,595 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in DETROIT?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in DETROIT earns roughly $5,105 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.