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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$78,972 GS-12 Step 1 in AUSTIN (2021)
$102,667 GS-12 Step 10 in AUSTIN (2021)
+$12,143 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2021 GS-12 pay table for AUSTIN

Each step below already includes the 18.17% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-12 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $78,972 $3,037.38 $37.84 +$12,143
Step 2 $81,605 $3,138.65 $39.10 +$12,548
Step 3 $84,237 $3,239.88 $40.36 +$12,952
Step 4 $86,870 $3,341.15 $41.62 +$13,357
Step 5 $89,503 $3,442.42 $42.89 +$13,762
Step 6 $92,136 $3,543.69 $44.15 +$14,167
Step 7 $94,769 $3,644.96 $45.41 +$14,572
Step 8 $97,402 $3,746.23 $46.67 +$14,977
Step 9 $100,034 $3,847.46 $47.93 +$15,381
Step 10 $102,667 $3,948.73 $49.19 +$15,786

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more AUSTIN pays

  • Base GS-12 Step 1 $66,829
  • AUSTIN GS-12 Step 1 $78,972
  • Locality add-on +$12,143
  • Adjustment percent 18.17%
  • Base GS-12 Step 10 $86,881
  • AUSTIN GS-12 Step 10 $102,667

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-12 in AUSTIN: what to expect

Experienced professionals and working-level experts. This is the most common GS grade for mid-career federal employees. Many policy, acquisition, engineering and scientific specialists sit at GS-12.

For 2021, the AUSTIN pay area adds a 18.17% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-12 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-11 level.

Promotion path. Competitive promotion to GS-13 requires a GS-13 vacancy and selection on merit.

The rough military equivalent for GS-12 is O-5 Lieutenant Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-12 in AUSTIN

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in AUSTIN earns roughly $3,037 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $3,949. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Note. This is the archived 2021 table. For current pay, open the latest GS-12 AUSTIN page.

Other grades in AUSTIN

GS-12 in AUSTIN questions

  • How much does a GS-12 make in AUSTIN?
    In 2021, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in AUSTIN earns $78,972 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $102,667. This is 18.17% higher than the base GS-12 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-12 in AUSTIN?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For AUSTIN in 2021, it is 18.17%. On a GS-12 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $12,143 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-12 in AUSTIN?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-12 Step 1 employee in AUSTIN earns roughly $3,037 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.