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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$41,369 GS-6 Step 1 in Washington DC (2018)
$53,774 GS-6 Step 10 in Washington DC (2018)
+$9,105 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2018 GS-6 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-6 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $41,369 $1,591.12 $19.82 +$9,105
Step 2 $42,747 $1,644.12 $20.48 +$9,408
Step 3 $44,126 $1,697.15 $21.14 +$9,712
Step 4 $45,504 $1,750.15 $21.80 +$10,015
Step 5 $46,882 $1,803.15 $22.46 +$10,318
Step 6 $48,261 $1,856.19 $23.12 +$10,622
Step 7 $49,639 $1,909.19 $23.78 +$10,925
Step 8 $51,017 $1,962.19 $24.45 +$11,228
Step 9 $52,396 $2,015.23 $25.11 +$11,532
Step 10 $53,774 $2,068.23 $25.77 +$11,835
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Washington DC pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $32,264
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 1 $41,369
  • Locality add-on +$9,105
  • Adjustment percent 28.22%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $41,939
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 10 $53,774

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-6 in Washington DC: what to expect

Experienced technicians and mid-level administrative support, including contract specialists, paralegals, medical technicians and HR specialists.

For 2018, the Washington DC pay area adds a 28.22% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-6 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-5 level, or a master's degree for some series.

Promotion path. Promoted to GS-7 after one year of creditable experience in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-6 is O-1 Second Lieutenant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-6 in Washington DC

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,591 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,068. 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-6 Washington DC page.

Other grades in Washington DC

GS-6 in Washington DC questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Washington DC?
    In 2018, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns $41,369 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $53,774. This is 28.22% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 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-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $9,105 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Washington DC?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,591 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.