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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$132,574 GS-15 Step 1 in COLUMBUS (2021)
$172,346 GS-15 Step 10 in COLUMBUS (2021)
+$22,114 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2021 GS-15 pay table for COLUMBUS

Each step below already includes the 20.02% 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 $132,574 $5,099.00 $63.52 +$22,114
Step 2 $136,993 $5,268.96 $65.64 +$22,851
Step 3 $141,412 $5,438.92 $67.76 +$23,588
Step 4 $145,832 $5,608.92 $69.88 +$24,326
Step 5 $150,251 $5,778.88 $71.99 +$25,063
Step 6 $154,670 $5,948.85 $74.11 +$25,800
Step 7 $159,089 $6,118.81 $76.23 +$26,537
Step 8 $163,508 $6,288.77 $78.35 +$27,274
Step 9 $167,927 $6,458.73 $80.46 +$28,011
Step 10 $172,346 $6,628.69 $82.58 +$28,748
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more COLUMBUS pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $110,460
  • COLUMBUS GS-15 Step 1 $132,574
  • Locality add-on +$22,114
  • Adjustment percent 20.02%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $143,598
  • COLUMBUS GS-15 Step 10 $172,346

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 COLUMBUS: 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 2021, the COLUMBUS pay area adds a 20.02% 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 COLUMBUS

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in COLUMBUS earns roughly $5,099 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,629. 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-15 COLUMBUS page.

Other grades in COLUMBUS

GS-15 in COLUMBUS questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in COLUMBUS?
    In 2021, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in COLUMBUS earns $132,574 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $172,346. This is 20.02% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in COLUMBUS?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For COLUMBUS in 2021, it is 20.02%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $22,114 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in COLUMBUS?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in COLUMBUS earns roughly $5,099 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.