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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$43,596 GS-6 Step 1 in CHICAGO (2021)
$56,673 GS-6 Step 10 in CHICAGO (2021)
+$9,693 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2021 GS-6 pay table for CHICAGO

Each step below already includes the 28.59% 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 $43,596 $1,676.77 $20.89 +$9,693
Step 2 $45,049 $1,732.65 $21.59 +$10,016
Step 3 $46,502 $1,788.54 $22.28 +$10,339
Step 4 $47,955 $1,844.42 $22.98 +$10,662
Step 5 $49,408 $1,900.31 $23.67 +$10,985
Step 6 $50,861 $1,956.19 $24.37 +$11,308
Step 7 $52,314 $2,012.08 $25.07 +$11,631
Step 8 $53,767 $2,067.96 $25.76 +$11,954
Step 9 $55,220 $2,123.85 $26.46 +$12,277
Step 10 $56,673 $2,179.73 $27.16 +$12,600
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more CHICAGO pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $33,903
  • CHICAGO GS-6 Step 1 $43,596
  • Locality add-on +$9,693
  • Adjustment percent 28.59%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $44,073
  • CHICAGO GS-6 Step 10 $56,673

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 CHICAGO: what to expect

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

For 2021, the CHICAGO pay area adds a 28.59% 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 CHICAGO

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in CHICAGO earns roughly $1,677 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,180. 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 CHICAGO page.

Other grades in CHICAGO

GS-6 in CHICAGO questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in CHICAGO?
    In 2021, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in CHICAGO earns $43,596 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $56,673. This is 28.59% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in CHICAGO?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For CHICAGO in 2021, it is 28.59%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $9,693 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in CHICAGO?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in CHICAGO earns roughly $1,677 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.