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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$38,921 GS-6 Step 1 in Rest of U.S. (2020)
$50,598 GS-6 Step 10 in Rest of U.S. (2020)
+$5,354 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2020 GS-6 pay table for Rest of U.S.

Each step below already includes the 15.95% 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 $38,921 $1,496.96 $18.65 +$5,354
Step 2 $40,218 $1,546.85 $19.27 +$5,532
Step 3 $41,516 $1,596.77 $19.89 +$5,711
Step 4 $42,813 $1,646.65 $20.51 +$5,889
Step 5 $44,111 $1,696.58 $21.14 +$6,068
Step 6 $45,408 $1,746.46 $21.76 +$6,246
Step 7 $46,706 $1,796.38 $22.38 +$6,425
Step 8 $48,003 $1,846.27 $23.00 +$6,603
Step 9 $49,301 $1,896.19 $23.62 +$6,782
Step 10 $50,598 $1,946.08 $24.24 +$6,960
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Rest of U.S. pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $33,567
  • Rest of U.S. GS-6 Step 1 $38,921
  • Locality add-on +$5,354
  • Adjustment percent 15.95%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $43,638
  • Rest of U.S. GS-6 Step 10 $50,598

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 Rest of U.S.: what to expect

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

For 2020, the Rest of U.S. pay area adds a 15.95% 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 Rest of U.S.

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Rest of U.S. earns roughly $1,497 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,946. 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 Rest of U.S. page.

Other grades in Rest of U.S.

GS-6 in Rest of U.S. questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Rest of U.S.?
    In 2020, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Rest of U.S. earns $38,921 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $50,598. This is 15.95% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in Rest of U.S.?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Rest of U.S. in 2020, it is 15.95%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $5,354 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Rest of U.S.?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Rest of U.S. earns roughly $1,497 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.