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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$136,729 GS-15 Step 1 in BOSTON (2019)
$166,500 GS-15 Step 10 in BOSTON (2019)
+$30,134 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2019 GS-15 pay table for BOSTON

Each step below already includes the 28.27% 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 $136,729 $5,258.81 $65.51 +$30,134
Step 2 $141,287 $5,434.12 $67.70 +$31,139
Step 3 $145,844 $5,609.38 $69.88 +$32,143
Step 4 $150,402 $5,784.69 $72.07 +$33,148
Step 5 $154,959 $5,959.96 $74.25 +$34,152
Step 6 $159,517 $6,135.27 $76.43 +$35,157
Step 7 $164,074 $6,310.54 $78.62 +$36,161
Step 8 $166,500 $6,403.85 $79.78 +$35,034
Step 9 $166,500 $6,403.85 $79.78 +$31,481
Step 10 $166,500 $6,403.85 $79.78 +$27,928
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more BOSTON pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $106,595
  • BOSTON GS-15 Step 1 $136,729
  • Locality add-on +$30,134
  • Adjustment percent 28.27%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $138,572
  • BOSTON GS-15 Step 10 $166,500

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 BOSTON: 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 2019, the BOSTON pay area adds a 28.27% 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 BOSTON

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns roughly $5,259 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,404. 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-15 BOSTON page.

Other grades in BOSTON

GS-15 in BOSTON questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in BOSTON?
    In 2019, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns $136,729 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $166,500. This is 28.27% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in BOSTON?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For BOSTON in 2019, it is 28.27%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $30,134 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in BOSTON?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns roughly $5,259 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.