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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$122,121 GS-15 Step 1 in TUCSON (2018)
$158,757 GS-15 Step 10 in TUCSON (2018)
+$16,998 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2018 GS-15 pay table for TUCSON

Each step below already includes the 16.17% 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 $122,121 $4,696.96 $58.52 +$16,998
Step 2 $126,192 $4,853.54 $60.47 +$17,565
Step 3 $130,263 $5,010.12 $62.42 +$18,132
Step 4 $134,333 $5,166.65 $64.37 +$18,698
Step 5 $138,404 $5,323.23 $66.32 +$19,265
Step 6 $142,474 $5,479.77 $68.27 +$19,831
Step 7 $146,545 $5,636.35 $70.22 +$20,398
Step 8 $150,616 $5,792.92 $72.17 +$20,965
Step 9 $154,686 $5,949.46 $74.12 +$21,531
Step 10 $158,757 $6,106.04 $76.07 +$22,098
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more TUCSON pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $105,123
  • TUCSON GS-15 Step 1 $122,121
  • Locality add-on +$16,998
  • Adjustment percent 16.17%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $136,659
  • TUCSON GS-15 Step 10 $158,757

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 TUCSON: 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 TUCSON pay area adds a 16.17% 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 TUCSON

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in TUCSON earns roughly $4,697 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,106. 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 TUCSON page.

Other grades in TUCSON

GS-15 in TUCSON questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in TUCSON?
    In 2018, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in TUCSON earns $122,121 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $158,757. This is 16.17% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in TUCSON?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For TUCSON in 2018, it is 16.17%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $16,998 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in TUCSON?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in TUCSON earns roughly $4,697 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.