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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$43,101 GS-6 Step 1 in DENVER (2021)
$56,030 GS-6 Step 10 in DENVER (2021)
+$9,198 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2021 GS-6 pay table for DENVER

Each step below already includes the 27.13% 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 $43,101 $1,657.73 $20.65 +$9,198
Step 2 $44,537 $1,712.96 $21.34 +$9,504
Step 3 $45,974 $1,768.23 $22.03 +$9,811
Step 4 $47,411 $1,823.50 $22.72 +$10,118
Step 5 $48,847 $1,878.73 $23.41 +$10,424
Step 6 $50,284 $1,934.00 $24.09 +$10,731
Step 7 $51,720 $1,989.23 $24.78 +$11,037
Step 8 $53,157 $2,044.50 $25.47 +$11,344
Step 9 $54,593 $2,099.73 $26.16 +$11,650
Step 10 $56,030 $2,155.00 $26.85 +$11,957

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more DENVER pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $33,903
  • DENVER GS-6 Step 1 $43,101
  • Locality add-on +$9,198
  • Adjustment percent 27.13%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $44,073
  • DENVER GS-6 Step 10 $56,030

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 DENVER: what to expect

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

For 2021, the DENVER pay area adds a 27.13% 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 DENVER

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in DENVER earns roughly $1,658 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,155. 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 DENVER page.

Other grades in DENVER

GS-6 in DENVER questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in DENVER?
    In 2021, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in DENVER earns $43,101 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $56,030. This is 27.13% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in DENVER?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For DENVER in 2021, it is 27.13%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $9,198 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in DENVER?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in DENVER earns roughly $1,658 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.