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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$132,066 GS-15 Step 1 in Hawaii (2021)
$171,686 GS-15 Step 10 in Hawaii (2021)
+$21,606 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2021 GS-15 pay table for Hawaii

Each step below already includes the 19.56% 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 $132,066 $5,079.46 $63.28 +$21,606
Step 2 $136,468 $5,248.77 $65.39 +$22,326
Step 3 $140,870 $5,418.08 $67.50 +$23,046
Step 4 $145,273 $5,587.42 $69.61 +$23,767
Step 5 $149,675 $5,756.73 $71.72 +$24,487
Step 6 $154,077 $5,926.04 $73.83 +$25,207
Step 7 $158,479 $6,095.35 $75.94 +$25,927
Step 8 $162,881 $6,264.65 $78.05 +$26,647
Step 9 $167,284 $6,434.00 $80.16 +$27,368
Step 10 $171,686 $6,603.31 $82.26 +$28,088
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Hawaii pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $110,460
  • Hawaii GS-15 Step 1 $132,066
  • Locality add-on +$21,606
  • Adjustment percent 19.56%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $143,598
  • Hawaii GS-15 Step 10 $171,686

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 Hawaii: 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 Hawaii pay area adds a 19.56% 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 Hawaii

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Hawaii earns roughly $5,079 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,603. 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 Hawaii page.

Other grades in Hawaii

GS-15 in Hawaii questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in Hawaii?
    In 2021, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Hawaii earns $132,066 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $171,686. This is 19.56% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in Hawaii?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Hawaii in 2021, it is 19.56%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $21,606 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in Hawaii?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in Hawaii earns roughly $5,079 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.