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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$42,731 GS-6 Step 1 in PHILADELPHIA (2021)
$55,550 GS-6 Step 10 in PHILADELPHIA (2021)
+$8,828 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2021 GS-6 pay table for PHILADELPHIA

Each step below already includes the 26.04% 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 $42,731 $1,643.50 $20.47 +$8,828
Step 2 $44,156 $1,698.31 $21.16 +$9,123
Step 3 $45,580 $1,753.08 $21.84 +$9,417
Step 4 $47,004 $1,807.85 $22.52 +$9,711
Step 5 $48,428 $1,862.62 $23.20 +$10,005
Step 6 $49,853 $1,917.42 $23.89 +$10,300
Step 7 $51,277 $1,972.19 $24.57 +$10,594
Step 8 $52,701 $2,026.96 $25.25 +$10,888
Step 9 $54,125 $2,081.73 $25.93 +$11,182
Step 10 $55,550 $2,136.54 $26.62 +$11,477
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more PHILADELPHIA pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $33,903
  • PHILADELPHIA GS-6 Step 1 $42,731
  • Locality add-on +$8,828
  • Adjustment percent 26.04%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $44,073
  • PHILADELPHIA GS-6 Step 10 $55,550

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 PHILADELPHIA: what to expect

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

For 2021, the PHILADELPHIA pay area adds a 26.04% 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 PHILADELPHIA

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in PHILADELPHIA earns roughly $1,644 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,137. 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 PHILADELPHIA page.

Other grades in PHILADELPHIA

GS-6 in PHILADELPHIA questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in PHILADELPHIA?
    In 2021, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in PHILADELPHIA earns $42,731 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $55,550. This is 26.04% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in PHILADELPHIA?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For PHILADELPHIA in 2021, it is 26.04%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $8,828 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in PHILADELPHIA?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in PHILADELPHIA earns roughly $1,644 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.