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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$87,612 GS-12 Step 1 in LOS ANGELES (2020)
$113,900 GS-12 Step 10 in LOS ANGELES (2020)
+$21,445 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2020 GS-12 pay table for LOS ANGELES

Each step below already includes the 32.41% 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 $87,612 $3,369.69 $41.98 +$21,445
Step 2 $90,533 $3,482.04 $43.38 +$22,160
Step 3 $93,454 $3,594.38 $44.78 +$22,875
Step 4 $96,375 $3,706.73 $46.18 +$23,590
Step 5 $99,296 $3,819.08 $47.58 +$24,305
Step 6 $102,217 $3,931.42 $48.98 +$25,020
Step 7 $105,138 $4,043.77 $50.38 +$25,735
Step 8 $108,058 $4,156.08 $51.78 +$26,449
Step 9 $110,979 $4,268.42 $53.18 +$27,164
Step 10 $113,900 $4,380.77 $54.58 +$27,879
← GS-11 Calculate my take-home GS-13 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more LOS ANGELES pays

  • Base GS-12 Step 1 $66,167
  • LOS ANGELES GS-12 Step 1 $87,612
  • Locality add-on +$21,445
  • Adjustment percent 32.41%
  • Base GS-12 Step 10 $86,021
  • LOS ANGELES GS-12 Step 10 $113,900

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 LOS ANGELES: 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 LOS ANGELES pay area adds a 32.41% 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 LOS ANGELES

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $3,370 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $4,381. 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 LOS ANGELES page.

Other grades in LOS ANGELES

GS-12 in LOS ANGELES questions

  • How much does a GS-12 make in LOS ANGELES?
    In 2020, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns $87,612 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $113,900. This is 32.41% higher than the base GS-12 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-12 in LOS ANGELES?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For LOS ANGELES in 2020, it is 32.41%. On a GS-12 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $21,445 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-12 in LOS ANGELES?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-12 Step 1 employee in LOS ANGELES earns roughly $3,370 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.