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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$135,329 GS-15 Step 1 in PORTLAND (2020)
$170,800 GS-15 Step 10 in PORTLAND (2020)
+$25,963 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2020 GS-15 pay table for PORTLAND

Each step below already includes the 23.74% 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 $135,329 $5,204.96 $64.84 +$25,963
Step 2 $139,841 $5,378.50 $67.01 +$26,829
Step 3 $144,353 $5,552.04 $69.17 +$27,695
Step 4 $148,864 $5,725.54 $71.33 +$28,560
Step 5 $153,376 $5,899.08 $73.49 +$29,426
Step 6 $157,887 $6,072.58 $75.65 +$30,291
Step 7 $162,399 $6,246.12 $77.81 +$31,157
Step 8 $166,910 $6,419.62 $79.98 +$32,022
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 PORTLAND pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $109,366
  • PORTLAND GS-15 Step 1 $135,329
  • Locality add-on +$25,963
  • Adjustment percent 23.74%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $142,180
  • PORTLAND 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 PORTLAND: 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 PORTLAND pay area adds a 23.74% 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 PORTLAND

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in PORTLAND earns roughly $5,205 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 PORTLAND page.

Other grades in PORTLAND

GS-15 in PORTLAND questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in PORTLAND?
    In 2020, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in PORTLAND earns $135,329 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $170,800. This is 23.74% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in PORTLAND?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For PORTLAND in 2020, it is 23.74%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $25,963 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in PORTLAND?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in PORTLAND earns roughly $5,205 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.