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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$36,142 GS-4 Step 1 in Boston (2022)
$46,983 GS-4 Step 10 in Boston (2022)
+$8,360 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2022 GS-4 pay table for Boston

Each step below already includes the 30.09% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-4 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $36,142 $1,390.08 $17.32 +$8,360
Step 2 $37,346 $1,436.38 $17.89 +$8,638
Step 3 $38,551 $1,482.73 $18.47 +$8,917
Step 4 $39,756 $1,529.08 $19.05 +$9,196
Step 5 $40,960 $1,575.38 $19.63 +$9,474
Step 6 $42,165 $1,621.73 $20.20 +$9,753
Step 7 $43,369 $1,668.04 $20.78 +$10,031
Step 8 $44,574 $1,714.38 $21.36 +$10,310
Step 9 $45,779 $1,760.73 $21.94 +$10,589
Step 10 $46,983 $1,807.04 $22.51 +$10,867

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Boston pays

  • Base GS-4 Step 1 $27,782
  • Boston GS-4 Step 1 $36,142
  • Locality add-on +$8,360
  • Adjustment percent 30.09%
  • Base GS-4 Step 10 $36,116
  • Boston GS-4 Step 10 $46,983

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-4 in Boston: what to expect

Office assistants, supply and inventory clerks, entry-level technicians and program aides.

For 2022, the Boston pay area adds a 30.09% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-4 employee assigned to this area benefits from that same percentage, regardless of step or series.

Qualifications and career path

Minimum qualifications. Two years of post-secondary education, an associate's degree, or one year of GS-3 equivalent experience.

Promotion path. Usually promoted to GS-5 after one year in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-4 is E-5 Sergeant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-4 in Boston

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Boston earns roughly $1,390 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,807. 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-4 Boston page.

Other grades in Boston

GS-4 in Boston questions

  • How much does a GS-4 make in Boston?
    In 2022, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Boston earns $36,142 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $46,983. This is 30.09% higher than the base GS-4 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-4 in Boston?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Boston in 2022, it is 30.09%. On a GS-4 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $8,360 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-4 in Boston?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-4 Step 1 employee in Boston earns roughly $1,390 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.