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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$79,533 GS-12 Step 1 in BUFFALO (2020)
$103,397 GS-12 Step 10 in BUFFALO (2020)
+$13,366 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2020 GS-12 pay table for BUFFALO

Each step below already includes the 20.20% 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 $79,533 $3,058.96 $38.11 +$13,366
Step 2 $82,184 $3,160.92 $39.38 +$13,811
Step 3 $84,836 $3,262.92 $40.65 +$14,257
Step 4 $87,488 $3,364.92 $41.92 +$14,703
Step 5 $90,139 $3,466.88 $43.19 +$15,148
Step 6 $92,791 $3,568.88 $44.46 +$15,594
Step 7 $95,442 $3,670.85 $45.73 +$16,039
Step 8 $98,094 $3,772.85 $47.00 +$16,485
Step 9 $100,746 $3,874.85 $48.27 +$16,931
Step 10 $103,397 $3,976.81 $49.54 +$17,376
← GS-11 Calculate my take-home GS-13 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more BUFFALO pays

  • Base GS-12 Step 1 $66,167
  • BUFFALO GS-12 Step 1 $79,533
  • Locality add-on +$13,366
  • Adjustment percent 20.20%
  • Base GS-12 Step 10 $86,021
  • BUFFALO GS-12 Step 10 $103,397

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 BUFFALO: 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 BUFFALO pay area adds a 20.20% 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 BUFFALO

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in BUFFALO earns roughly $3,059 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $3,977. 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 BUFFALO page.

Other grades in BUFFALO

GS-12 in BUFFALO questions

  • How much does a GS-12 make in BUFFALO?
    In 2020, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in BUFFALO earns $79,533 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $103,397. This is 20.20% higher than the base GS-12 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-12 in BUFFALO?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For BUFFALO in 2020, it is 20.20%. On a GS-12 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $13,366 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-12 in BUFFALO?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-12 Step 1 employee in BUFFALO earns roughly $3,059 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.