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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$137,845 GS-15 Step 1 in PHILADELPHIA (2020)
$170,800 GS-15 Step 10 in PHILADELPHIA (2020)
+$28,479 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2020 GS-15 pay table for PHILADELPHIA

Each step below already includes the 26.04% 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 $137,845 $5,301.73 $66.05 +$28,479
Step 2 $142,440 $5,478.46 $68.25 +$29,428
Step 3 $147,036 $5,655.23 $70.45 +$30,378
Step 4 $151,631 $5,831.96 $72.66 +$31,327
Step 5 $156,227 $6,008.73 $74.86 +$32,277
Step 6 $160,822 $6,185.46 $77.06 +$33,226
Step 7 $165,417 $6,362.19 $79.26 +$34,175
Step 8 $170,013 $6,538.96 $81.46 +$35,125
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 PHILADELPHIA pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $109,366
  • PHILADELPHIA GS-15 Step 1 $137,845
  • Locality add-on +$28,479
  • Adjustment percent 26.04%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $142,180
  • PHILADELPHIA 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 PHILADELPHIA: 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 PHILADELPHIA pay area adds a 26.04% 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 PHILADELPHIA

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in PHILADELPHIA earns roughly $5,302 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 PHILADELPHIA page.

Other grades in PHILADELPHIA

GS-15 in PHILADELPHIA questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in PHILADELPHIA?
    In 2020, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in PHILADELPHIA earns $137,845 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $170,800. This is 26.04% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in PHILADELPHIA?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For PHILADELPHIA in 2020, it is 26.04%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $28,479 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in PHILADELPHIA?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in PHILADELPHIA earns roughly $5,302 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.