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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$43,560 GS-6 Step 1 in SAN DIEGO (2020)
$56,629 GS-6 Step 10 in SAN DIEGO (2020)
+$9,993 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2020 GS-6 pay table for SAN DIEGO

Each step below already includes the 29.77% 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 $43,560 $1,675.38 $20.87 +$9,993
Step 2 $45,012 $1,731.23 $21.57 +$10,326
Step 3 $46,464 $1,787.08 $22.26 +$10,659
Step 4 $47,916 $1,842.92 $22.96 +$10,992
Step 5 $49,368 $1,898.77 $23.66 +$11,325
Step 6 $50,821 $1,954.65 $24.35 +$11,659
Step 7 $52,273 $2,010.50 $25.05 +$11,992
Step 8 $53,725 $2,066.35 $25.74 +$12,325
Step 9 $55,177 $2,122.19 $26.44 +$12,658
Step 10 $56,629 $2,178.04 $27.13 +$12,991
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more SAN DIEGO pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $33,567
  • SAN DIEGO GS-6 Step 1 $43,560
  • Locality add-on +$9,993
  • Adjustment percent 29.77%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $43,638
  • SAN DIEGO GS-6 Step 10 $56,629

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 SAN DIEGO: what to expect

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

For 2020, the SAN DIEGO pay area adds a 29.77% 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 SAN DIEGO

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $1,675 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,178. 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 SAN DIEGO page.

Other grades in SAN DIEGO

GS-6 in SAN DIEGO questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in SAN DIEGO?
    In 2020, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns $43,560 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $56,629. This is 29.77% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in SAN DIEGO?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For SAN DIEGO in 2020, it is 29.77%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $9,993 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in SAN DIEGO?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in SAN DIEGO earns roughly $1,675 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.