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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$33,172 GS-4 Step 1 in Washington DC (2018)
$43,119 GS-4 Step 10 in Washington DC (2018)
+$7,301 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2018 GS-4 pay table for Washington DC

Each step below already includes the 28.22% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-4 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $33,172 $1,275.85 $15.89 +$7,301
Step 2 $34,277 $1,318.35 $16.42 +$7,544
Step 3 $35,382 $1,360.85 $16.95 +$7,787
Step 4 $36,488 $1,403.38 $17.48 +$8,031
Step 5 $37,593 $1,445.88 $18.01 +$8,274
Step 6 $38,698 $1,488.38 $18.54 +$8,517
Step 7 $39,803 $1,530.88 $19.07 +$8,760
Step 8 $40,909 $1,573.42 $19.60 +$9,004
Step 9 $42,014 $1,615.92 $20.13 +$9,247
Step 10 $43,119 $1,658.42 $20.66 +$9,490
← GS-3 Calculate my take-home GS-5 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Washington DC pays

  • Base GS-4 Step 1 $25,871
  • Washington DC GS-4 Step 1 $33,172
  • Locality add-on +$7,301
  • Adjustment percent 28.22%
  • Base GS-4 Step 10 $33,629
  • Washington DC GS-4 Step 10 $43,119

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-4 in Washington DC: what to expect

Office assistants, supply and inventory clerks, entry-level technicians and program aides.

For 2018, the Washington DC pay area adds a 28.22% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-4 employee assigned to this area benefits from that same percentage, regardless of step or series.

Qualifications and career path

Minimum qualifications. Two years of post-secondary education, an associate's degree, or one year of GS-3 equivalent experience.

Promotion path. Usually promoted to GS-5 after one year in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-4 is E-5 Sergeant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-4 in Washington DC

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,276 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,658. 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-4 Washington DC page.

Other grades in Washington DC

GS-4 in Washington DC questions

  • How much does a GS-4 make in Washington DC?
    In 2018, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns $33,172 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $43,119. This is 28.22% higher than the base GS-4 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-4 in Washington DC?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Washington DC in 2018, it is 28.22%. On a GS-4 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $7,301 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-4 in Washington DC?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-4 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,276 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.