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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$131,185 GS-15 Step 1 in RICHMOND (2020)
$170,545 GS-15 Step 10 in RICHMOND (2020)
+$21,819 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2020 GS-15 pay table for RICHMOND

Each step below already includes the 19.95% 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 $131,185 $5,045.58 $62.86 +$21,819
Step 2 $135,558 $5,213.77 $64.95 +$22,546
Step 3 $139,931 $5,381.96 $67.05 +$23,273
Step 4 $144,305 $5,550.19 $69.14 +$24,001
Step 5 $148,678 $5,718.38 $71.24 +$24,728
Step 6 $153,051 $5,886.58 $73.34 +$25,455
Step 7 $157,425 $6,054.81 $75.43 +$26,183
Step 8 $161,798 $6,223.00 $77.53 +$26,910
Step 9 $166,172 $6,391.23 $79.62 +$27,638
Step 10 $170,545 $6,559.42 $81.72 +$28,365
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more RICHMOND pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $109,366
  • RICHMOND GS-15 Step 1 $131,185
  • Locality add-on +$21,819
  • Adjustment percent 19.95%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $142,180
  • RICHMOND GS-15 Step 10 $170,545

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 RICHMOND: 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 RICHMOND pay area adds a 19.95% 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 RICHMOND

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in RICHMOND earns roughly $5,046 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,559. 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 RICHMOND page.

Other grades in RICHMOND

GS-15 in RICHMOND questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in RICHMOND?
    In 2020, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in RICHMOND earns $131,185 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $170,545. This is 19.95% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in RICHMOND?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For RICHMOND in 2020, it is 19.95%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $21,819 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in RICHMOND?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in RICHMOND earns roughly $5,046 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.