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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$135,173 GS-15 Step 1 in DETROIT (2019)
$166,500 GS-15 Step 10 in DETROIT (2019)
+$28,578 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2019 GS-15 pay table for DETROIT

Each step below already includes the 26.81% 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 $135,173 $5,198.96 $64.77 +$28,578
Step 2 $139,679 $5,372.27 $66.93 +$29,531
Step 3 $144,184 $5,545.54 $69.09 +$30,483
Step 4 $148,690 $5,718.85 $71.25 +$31,436
Step 5 $153,195 $5,892.12 $73.40 +$32,388
Step 6 $157,701 $6,065.42 $75.56 +$33,341
Step 7 $162,206 $6,238.69 $77.72 +$34,293
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 DETROIT pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $106,595
  • DETROIT GS-15 Step 1 $135,173
  • Locality add-on +$28,578
  • Adjustment percent 26.81%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $138,572
  • DETROIT 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 DETROIT: 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 DETROIT pay area adds a 26.81% 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 DETROIT

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DETROIT earns roughly $5,199 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 DETROIT page.

Other grades in DETROIT

GS-15 in DETROIT questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in DETROIT?
    In 2019, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DETROIT earns $135,173 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $166,500. This is 26.81% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in DETROIT?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For DETROIT in 2019, it is 26.81%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $28,578 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in DETROIT?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in DETROIT earns roughly $5,199 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.