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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$143,709 GS-15 Step 1 in Sacramento (2022)
$176,300 GS-15 Step 10 in Sacramento (2022)
+$30,819 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2022 GS-15 pay table for Sacramento

Each step below already includes the 27.30% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-15 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $143,709 $5,527.27 $68.86 +$30,819
Step 2 $148,499 $5,711.50 $71.15 +$31,846
Step 3 $153,290 $5,895.77 $73.45 +$32,874
Step 4 $158,080 $6,080.00 $75.75 +$33,901
Step 5 $162,870 $6,264.23 $78.04 +$34,928
Step 6 $167,660 $6,448.46 $80.34 +$35,955
Step 7 $172,451 $6,632.73 $82.63 +$36,983
Step 8 $176,300 $6,780.77 $84.48 +$37,069
Step 9 $176,300 $6,780.77 $84.48 +$33,306
Step 10 $176,300 $6,780.77 $84.48 +$29,543
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Sacramento pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $112,890
  • Sacramento GS-15 Step 1 $143,709
  • Locality add-on +$30,819
  • Adjustment percent 27.30%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $146,757
  • Sacramento GS-15 Step 10 $176,300

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-15 in Sacramento: what to expect

Senior executives just below the Senior Executive Service. Division directors, senior scientists and agency experts typically top out at GS-15.

For 2022, the Sacramento pay area adds a 27.30% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-15 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-14 level, plus demonstrated leadership.

Promotion path. Further advancement requires selection into the Senior Executive Service (SES).

The rough military equivalent for GS-15 is O-6 Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-15 in Sacramento

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Sacramento earns roughly $5,527 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $6,781. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Note. This is the archived 2022 table. For current pay, open the latest GS-15 Sacramento page.

Other grades in Sacramento

GS-15 in Sacramento questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in Sacramento?
    In 2022, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Sacramento earns $143,709 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $176,300. This is 27.30% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in Sacramento?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Sacramento in 2022, it is 27.30%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $30,819 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in Sacramento?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in Sacramento earns roughly $5,527 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.