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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$136,683 GS-15 Step 1 in PORTLAND (2021)
$172,500 GS-15 Step 10 in PORTLAND (2021)
+$26,223 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2021 GS-15 pay table for PORTLAND

Each step below already includes the 23.74% 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 $136,683 $5,257.04 $65.49 +$26,223
Step 2 $141,239 $5,432.27 $67.68 +$27,097
Step 3 $145,795 $5,607.50 $69.86 +$27,971
Step 4 $150,352 $5,782.77 $72.04 +$28,846
Step 5 $154,908 $5,958.00 $74.23 +$29,720
Step 6 $159,464 $6,133.23 $76.41 +$30,594
Step 7 $164,020 $6,308.46 $78.59 +$31,468
Step 8 $168,576 $6,483.69 $80.77 +$32,342
Step 9 $172,500 $6,634.62 $82.65 +$32,584
Step 10 $172,500 $6,634.62 $82.65 +$28,902
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more PORTLAND pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $110,460
  • PORTLAND GS-15 Step 1 $136,683
  • Locality add-on +$26,223
  • Adjustment percent 23.74%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $143,598
  • PORTLAND GS-15 Step 10 $172,500

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 PORTLAND: 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 PORTLAND pay area adds a 23.74% 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 PORTLAND

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in PORTLAND earns roughly $5,257 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,635. 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 PORTLAND page.

Other grades in PORTLAND

GS-15 in PORTLAND questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in PORTLAND?
    In 2021, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in PORTLAND earns $136,683 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $172,500. This is 23.74% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in PORTLAND?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For PORTLAND in 2021, it is 23.74%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $26,223 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in PORTLAND?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in PORTLAND earns roughly $5,257 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.