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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$139,245 GS-15 Step 1 in DETROIT (2020)
$170,800 GS-15 Step 10 in DETROIT (2020)
+$29,879 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2020 GS-15 pay table for DETROIT

Each step below already includes the 27.32% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-15 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $139,245 $5,355.58 $66.72 +$29,879
Step 2 $143,887 $5,534.12 $68.94 +$30,875
Step 3 $148,529 $5,712.65 $71.17 +$31,871
Step 4 $153,171 $5,891.19 $73.39 +$32,867
Step 5 $157,813 $6,069.73 $75.62 +$33,863
Step 6 $162,455 $6,248.27 $77.84 +$34,859
Step 7 $167,097 $6,426.81 $80.07 +$35,855
Step 8 $170,800 $6,569.23 $81.84 +$35,912
Step 9 $170,800 $6,569.23 $81.84 +$32,266
Step 10 $170,800 $6,569.23 $81.84 +$28,620
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more DETROIT pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $109,366
  • DETROIT GS-15 Step 1 $139,245
  • Locality add-on +$29,879
  • Adjustment percent 27.32%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $142,180
  • DETROIT GS-15 Step 10 $170,800

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-15 in DETROIT: what to expect

Senior executives just below the Senior Executive Service. Division directors, senior scientists and agency experts typically top out at GS-15.

For 2020, the DETROIT pay area adds a 27.32% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-15 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-14 level, plus demonstrated leadership.

Promotion path. Further advancement requires selection into the Senior Executive Service (SES).

The rough military equivalent for GS-15 is O-6 Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-15 in DETROIT

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DETROIT earns roughly $5,356 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,569. 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-15 DETROIT page.

Other grades in DETROIT

GS-15 in DETROIT questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in DETROIT?
    In 2020, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in DETROIT earns $139,245 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $170,800. This is 27.32% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in DETROIT?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For DETROIT in 2020, it is 27.32%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $29,879 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in DETROIT?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in DETROIT earns roughly $5,356 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.