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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$42,308 GS-6 Step 1 in Washington DC (2019)
$55,006 GS-6 Step 10 in Washington DC (2019)
+$9,592 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2019 GS-6 pay table for Washington DC

Each step below already includes the 29.32% 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 $42,308 $1,627.23 $20.27 +$9,592
Step 2 $43,719 $1,681.50 $20.95 +$9,912
Step 3 $45,130 $1,735.77 $21.62 +$10,232
Step 4 $46,541 $1,790.04 $22.30 +$10,552
Step 5 $47,952 $1,844.31 $22.98 +$10,872
Step 6 $49,363 $1,898.58 $23.65 +$11,192
Step 7 $50,774 $1,952.85 $24.33 +$11,512
Step 8 $52,184 $2,007.08 $25.00 +$11,831
Step 9 $53,595 $2,061.35 $25.68 +$12,151
Step 10 $55,006 $2,115.62 $26.36 +$12,471
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Washington DC pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $32,716
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 1 $42,308
  • Locality add-on +$9,592
  • Adjustment percent 29.32%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $42,535
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 10 $55,006

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 Washington DC: what to expect

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

For 2019, the Washington DC pay area adds a 29.32% 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 Washington DC

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,627 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,116. 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 Washington DC page.

Other grades in Washington DC

GS-6 in Washington DC questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Washington DC?
    In 2019, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns $42,308 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $55,006. This is 29.32% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in Washington DC?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Washington DC in 2019, it is 29.32%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $9,592 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Washington DC?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,627 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.