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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$43,772 GS-6 Step 1 in BOSTON (2021)
$56,903 GS-6 Step 10 in BOSTON (2021)
+$9,869 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2021 GS-6 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-6 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $43,772 $1,683.54 $20.97 +$9,869
Step 2 $45,231 $1,739.65 $21.67 +$10,198
Step 3 $46,690 $1,795.77 $22.37 +$10,527
Step 4 $48,149 $1,851.88 $23.07 +$10,856
Step 5 $49,608 $1,908.00 $23.77 +$11,185
Step 6 $51,067 $1,964.12 $24.47 +$11,514
Step 7 $52,526 $2,020.23 $25.17 +$11,843
Step 8 $53,985 $2,076.35 $25.87 +$12,172
Step 9 $55,444 $2,132.46 $26.57 +$12,501
Step 10 $56,903 $2,188.58 $27.27 +$12,830

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more BOSTON pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $33,903
  • BOSTON GS-6 Step 1 $43,772
  • Locality add-on +$9,869
  • Adjustment percent 29.11%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $44,073
  • BOSTON GS-6 Step 10 $56,903

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-6 in BOSTON: what to expect

Experienced technicians and mid-level administrative support, including contract specialists, paralegals, medical technicians and HR specialists.

For 2021, the BOSTON pay area adds a 29.11% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-6 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-5 level, or a master's degree for some series.

Promotion path. Promoted to GS-7 after one year of creditable experience in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-6 is O-1 Second Lieutenant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-6 in BOSTON

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns roughly $1,684 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,189. 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-6 BOSTON page.

Other grades in BOSTON

GS-6 in BOSTON questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in BOSTON?
    In 2021, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns $43,772 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $56,903. This is 29.11% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 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-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $9,869 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in BOSTON?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in BOSTON earns roughly $1,684 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.