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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$35,097 GS-4 Step 1 in BOSTON (2021)
$45,625 GS-4 Step 10 in BOSTON (2021)
+$7,913 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2021 GS-4 pay table for BOSTON

Each step below already includes the 29.11% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-4 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $35,097 $1,349.88 $16.82 +$7,913
Step 2 $36,267 $1,394.88 $17.38 +$8,177
Step 3 $37,437 $1,439.88 $17.94 +$8,441
Step 4 $38,606 $1,484.85 $18.50 +$8,704
Step 5 $39,776 $1,529.85 $19.06 +$8,968
Step 6 $40,946 $1,574.85 $19.62 +$9,232
Step 7 $42,116 $1,619.85 $20.18 +$9,496
Step 8 $43,285 $1,664.81 $20.74 +$9,759
Step 9 $44,455 $1,709.81 $21.30 +$10,023
Step 10 $45,625 $1,754.81 $21.86 +$10,287

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more BOSTON pays

  • Base GS-4 Step 1 $27,184
  • BOSTON GS-4 Step 1 $35,097
  • Locality add-on +$7,913
  • Adjustment percent 29.11%
  • Base GS-4 Step 10 $35,338
  • BOSTON GS-4 Step 10 $45,625

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-4 in BOSTON: what to expect

Office assistants, supply and inventory clerks, entry-level technicians and program aides.

For 2021, the BOSTON pay area adds a 29.11% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-4 employee assigned to this area benefits from that same percentage, regardless of step or series.

Qualifications and career path

Minimum qualifications. Two years of post-secondary education, an associate's degree, or one year of GS-3 equivalent experience.

Promotion path. Usually promoted to GS-5 after one year in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-4 is E-5 Sergeant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-4 in BOSTON

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns roughly $1,350 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,755. 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-4 BOSTON page.

Other grades in BOSTON

GS-4 in BOSTON questions

  • How much does a GS-4 make in BOSTON?
    In 2021, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns $35,097 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $45,625. This is 29.11% higher than the base GS-4 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-4 in BOSTON?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For BOSTON in 2021, it is 29.11%. On a GS-4 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $7,913 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-4 in BOSTON?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-4 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns roughly $1,350 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.