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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$125,191 GS-15 Step 1 in PHOENIX (2018)
$162,747 GS-15 Step 10 in PHOENIX (2018)
+$20,068 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2018 GS-15 pay table for PHOENIX

Each step below already includes the 19.09% 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 $125,191 $4,815.04 $59.99 +$20,068
Step 2 $129,364 $4,975.54 $61.99 +$20,737
Step 3 $133,537 $5,136.04 $63.99 +$21,406
Step 4 $137,710 $5,296.54 $65.98 +$22,075
Step 5 $141,883 $5,457.04 $67.98 +$22,744
Step 6 $146,056 $5,617.54 $69.98 +$23,413
Step 7 $150,228 $5,778.00 $71.98 +$24,081
Step 8 $154,401 $5,938.50 $73.98 +$24,750
Step 9 $158,574 $6,099.00 $75.98 +$25,419
Step 10 $162,747 $6,259.50 $77.98 +$26,088
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more PHOENIX pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $105,123
  • PHOENIX GS-15 Step 1 $125,191
  • Locality add-on +$20,068
  • Adjustment percent 19.09%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $136,659
  • PHOENIX GS-15 Step 10 $162,747

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 PHOENIX: 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 PHOENIX pay area adds a 19.09% 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 PHOENIX

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in PHOENIX earns roughly $4,815 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,260. 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 PHOENIX page.

Other grades in PHOENIX

GS-15 in PHOENIX questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in PHOENIX?
    In 2018, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in PHOENIX earns $125,191 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $162,747. This is 19.09% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in PHOENIX?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For PHOENIX in 2018, it is 19.09%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $20,068 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in PHOENIX?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in PHOENIX earns roughly $4,815 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.