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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$37,843 GS-6 Step 1 in Rest of U.S. (2019)
$49,200 GS-6 Step 10 in Rest of U.S. (2019)
+$5,127 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2019 GS-6 pay table for Rest of U.S.

Each step below already includes the 15.67% 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 $37,843 $1,455.50 $18.13 +$5,127
Step 2 $39,105 $1,504.04 $18.74 +$5,298
Step 3 $40,367 $1,552.58 $19.34 +$5,469
Step 4 $41,628 $1,601.08 $19.95 +$5,639
Step 5 $42,890 $1,649.62 $20.55 +$5,810
Step 6 $44,152 $1,698.15 $21.16 +$5,981
Step 7 $45,414 $1,746.69 $21.76 +$6,152
Step 8 $46,676 $1,795.23 $22.37 +$6,323
Step 9 $47,938 $1,843.77 $22.97 +$6,494
Step 10 $49,200 $1,892.31 $23.57 +$6,665
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Rest of U.S. pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $32,716
  • Rest of U.S. GS-6 Step 1 $37,843
  • Locality add-on +$5,127
  • Adjustment percent 15.67%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $42,535
  • Rest of U.S. GS-6 Step 10 $49,200

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 Rest of U.S.: what to expect

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

For 2019, the Rest of U.S. pay area adds a 15.67% 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 Rest of U.S.

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Rest of U.S. earns roughly $1,456 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,892. 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-6 Rest of U.S. page.

Other grades in Rest of U.S.

GS-6 in Rest of U.S. questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Rest of U.S.?
    In 2019, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Rest of U.S. earns $37,843 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $49,200. This is 15.67% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in Rest of U.S.?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Rest of U.S. in 2019, it is 15.67%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $5,127 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Rest of U.S.?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Rest of U.S. earns roughly $1,456 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.