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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$128,166 GS-15 Step 1 in TUCSON (2020)
$166,621 GS-15 Step 10 in TUCSON (2020)
+$18,800 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2020 GS-15 pay table for TUCSON

Each step below already includes the 17.19% 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 $128,166 $4,929.46 $61.41 +$18,800
Step 2 $132,439 $5,093.81 $63.46 +$19,427
Step 3 $136,712 $5,258.15 $65.51 +$20,054
Step 4 $140,984 $5,422.46 $67.55 +$20,680
Step 5 $145,257 $5,586.81 $69.60 +$21,307
Step 6 $149,530 $5,751.15 $71.65 +$21,934
Step 7 $153,802 $5,915.46 $73.70 +$22,560
Step 8 $158,075 $6,079.81 $75.74 +$23,187
Step 9 $162,348 $6,244.15 $77.79 +$23,814
Step 10 $166,621 $6,408.50 $79.84 +$24,441
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more TUCSON pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $109,366
  • TUCSON GS-15 Step 1 $128,166
  • Locality add-on +$18,800
  • Adjustment percent 17.19%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $142,180
  • TUCSON GS-15 Step 10 $166,621

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 TUCSON: 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 TUCSON pay area adds a 17.19% 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 TUCSON

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in TUCSON earns roughly $4,929 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,409. 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 TUCSON page.

Other grades in TUCSON

GS-15 in TUCSON questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in TUCSON?
    In 2020, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in TUCSON earns $128,166 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $166,621. This is 17.19% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in TUCSON?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For TUCSON in 2020, it is 17.19%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $18,800 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in TUCSON?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in TUCSON earns roughly $4,929 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.