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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$43,164 GS-6 Step 1 in CHICAGO (2020)
$56,114 GS-6 Step 10 in CHICAGO (2020)
+$9,597 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2020 GS-6 pay table for CHICAGO

Each step below already includes the 28.59% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-6 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $43,164 $1,660.15 $20.68 +$9,597
Step 2 $44,603 $1,715.50 $21.37 +$9,917
Step 3 $46,042 $1,770.85 $22.06 +$10,237
Step 4 $47,481 $1,826.19 $22.75 +$10,557
Step 5 $48,919 $1,881.50 $23.44 +$10,876
Step 6 $50,358 $1,936.85 $24.13 +$11,196
Step 7 $51,797 $1,992.19 $24.82 +$11,516
Step 8 $53,236 $2,047.54 $25.51 +$11,836
Step 9 $54,675 $2,102.88 $26.20 +$12,156
Step 10 $56,114 $2,158.23 $26.89 +$12,476
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more CHICAGO pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $33,567
  • CHICAGO GS-6 Step 1 $43,164
  • Locality add-on +$9,597
  • Adjustment percent 28.59%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $43,638
  • CHICAGO GS-6 Step 10 $56,114

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-6 in CHICAGO: what to expect

Experienced technicians and mid-level administrative support, including contract specialists, paralegals, medical technicians and HR specialists.

For 2020, the CHICAGO pay area adds a 28.59% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-6 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-5 level, or a master's degree for some series.

Promotion path. Promoted to GS-7 after one year of creditable experience in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-6 is O-1 Second Lieutenant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-6 in CHICAGO

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in CHICAGO earns roughly $1,660 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,158. 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-6 CHICAGO page.

Other grades in CHICAGO

GS-6 in CHICAGO questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in CHICAGO?
    In 2020, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in CHICAGO earns $43,164 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $56,114. This is 28.59% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in CHICAGO?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For CHICAGO in 2020, it is 28.59%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $9,597 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in CHICAGO?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in CHICAGO earns roughly $1,660 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.