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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$84,785 GS-12 Step 1 in LOS ANGELES (2019)
$110,224 GS-12 Step 10 in LOS ANGELES (2019)
+$20,295 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2019 GS-12 pay table for LOS ANGELES

Each step below already includes the 31.47% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-12 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $84,785 $3,260.96 $40.63 +$20,295
Step 2 $87,612 $3,369.69 $41.98 +$20,972
Step 3 $90,438 $3,478.38 $43.33 +$21,648
Step 4 $93,265 $3,587.12 $44.69 +$22,325
Step 5 $96,091 $3,695.81 $46.04 +$23,001
Step 6 $98,918 $3,804.54 $47.40 +$23,678
Step 7 $101,745 $3,913.27 $48.75 +$24,355
Step 8 $104,571 $4,021.96 $50.11 +$25,031
Step 9 $107,398 $4,130.69 $51.46 +$25,708
Step 10 $110,224 $4,239.38 $52.81 +$26,384
← GS-11 Calculate my take-home GS-13 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more LOS ANGELES pays

  • Base GS-12 Step 1 $64,490
  • LOS ANGELES GS-12 Step 1 $84,785
  • Locality add-on +$20,295
  • Adjustment percent 31.47%
  • Base GS-12 Step 10 $83,840
  • LOS ANGELES GS-12 Step 10 $110,224

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-12 in LOS ANGELES: what to expect

Experienced professionals and working-level experts. This is the most common GS grade for mid-career federal employees. Many policy, acquisition, engineering and scientific specialists sit at GS-12.

For 2019, the LOS ANGELES pay area adds a 31.47% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-12 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-11 level.

Promotion path. Competitive promotion to GS-13 requires a GS-13 vacancy and selection on merit.

The rough military equivalent for GS-12 is O-5 Lieutenant Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-12 in LOS ANGELES

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $3,261 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $4,239. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Note. This is the archived 2019 table. For current pay, open the latest GS-12 LOS ANGELES page.

Other grades in LOS ANGELES

GS-12 in LOS ANGELES questions

  • How much does a GS-12 make in LOS ANGELES?
    In 2019, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns $84,785 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $110,224. This is 31.47% higher than the base GS-12 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-12 in LOS ANGELES?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For LOS ANGELES in 2019, it is 31.47%. On a GS-12 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $20,295 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-12 in LOS ANGELES?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-12 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $3,261 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.