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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$42,138 GS-6 Step 1 in SAN DIEGO (2019)
$54,785 GS-6 Step 10 in SAN DIEGO (2019)
+$9,422 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2019 GS-6 pay table for SAN DIEGO

Each step below already includes the 28.80% 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 $42,138 $1,620.69 $20.19 +$9,422
Step 2 $43,543 $1,674.73 $20.86 +$9,736
Step 3 $44,949 $1,728.81 $21.54 +$10,051
Step 4 $46,354 $1,782.85 $22.21 +$10,365
Step 5 $47,759 $1,836.88 $22.88 +$10,679
Step 6 $49,164 $1,890.92 $23.56 +$10,993
Step 7 $50,569 $1,944.96 $24.23 +$11,307
Step 8 $51,975 $1,999.04 $24.90 +$11,622
Step 9 $53,380 $2,053.08 $25.58 +$11,936
Step 10 $54,785 $2,107.12 $26.25 +$12,250
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more SAN DIEGO pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $32,716
  • SAN DIEGO GS-6 Step 1 $42,138
  • Locality add-on +$9,422
  • Adjustment percent 28.80%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $42,535
  • SAN DIEGO GS-6 Step 10 $54,785

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 SAN DIEGO: what to expect

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

For 2019, the SAN DIEGO pay area adds a 28.80% 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 SAN DIEGO

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $1,621 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,107. 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 SAN DIEGO page.

Other grades in SAN DIEGO

GS-6 in SAN DIEGO questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in SAN DIEGO?
    In 2019, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns $42,138 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $54,785. This is 28.80% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in SAN DIEGO?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For SAN DIEGO in 2019, it is 28.80%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $9,422 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in SAN DIEGO?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $1,621 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.