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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$78,190 GS-12 Step 1 in AUSTIN (2020)
$101,651 GS-12 Step 10 in AUSTIN (2020)
+$12,023 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2020 GS-12 pay table for AUSTIN

Each step below already includes the 18.17% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-12 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $78,190 $3,007.31 $37.47 +$12,023
Step 2 $80,796 $3,107.54 $38.71 +$12,423
Step 3 $83,403 $3,207.81 $39.96 +$12,824
Step 4 $86,010 $3,308.08 $41.21 +$13,225
Step 5 $88,617 $3,408.35 $42.46 +$13,626
Step 6 $91,224 $3,508.62 $43.71 +$14,027
Step 7 $93,831 $3,608.88 $44.96 +$14,428
Step 8 $96,437 $3,709.12 $46.21 +$14,828
Step 9 $99,044 $3,809.38 $47.46 +$15,229
Step 10 $101,651 $3,909.65 $48.71 +$15,630

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more AUSTIN pays

  • Base GS-12 Step 1 $66,167
  • AUSTIN GS-12 Step 1 $78,190
  • Locality add-on +$12,023
  • Adjustment percent 18.17%
  • Base GS-12 Step 10 $86,021
  • AUSTIN GS-12 Step 10 $101,651

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-12 in AUSTIN: what to expect

Experienced professionals and working-level experts. This is the most common GS grade for mid-career federal employees. Many policy, acquisition, engineering and scientific specialists sit at GS-12.

For 2020, the AUSTIN pay area adds a 18.17% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-12 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-11 level.

Promotion path. Competitive promotion to GS-13 requires a GS-13 vacancy and selection on merit.

The rough military equivalent for GS-12 is O-5 Lieutenant Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-12 in AUSTIN

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in AUSTIN earns roughly $3,007 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $3,910. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Note. This is the archived 2020 table. For current pay, open the latest GS-12 AUSTIN page.

Other grades in AUSTIN

GS-12 in AUSTIN questions

  • How much does a GS-12 make in AUSTIN?
    In 2020, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in AUSTIN earns $78,190 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $101,651. This is 18.17% higher than the base GS-12 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-12 in AUSTIN?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For AUSTIN in 2020, it is 18.17%. On a GS-12 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $12,023 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-12 in AUSTIN?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-12 Step 1 employee in AUSTIN earns roughly $3,007 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.