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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$35,889 GS-4 Step 1 in Chicago (2022)
$46,655 GS-4 Step 10 in Chicago (2022)
+$8,107 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2022 GS-4 pay table for Chicago

Each step below already includes the 29.18% 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 $35,889 $1,380.35 $17.20 +$8,107
Step 2 $37,085 $1,426.35 $17.77 +$8,377
Step 3 $38,281 $1,472.35 $18.34 +$8,647
Step 4 $39,477 $1,518.35 $18.92 +$8,917
Step 5 $40,674 $1,564.38 $19.49 +$9,188
Step 6 $41,870 $1,610.38 $20.06 +$9,458
Step 7 $43,066 $1,656.38 $20.64 +$9,728
Step 8 $44,262 $1,702.38 $21.21 +$9,998
Step 9 $45,458 $1,748.38 $21.78 +$10,268
Step 10 $46,655 $1,794.42 $22.36 +$10,539
← GS-3 Calculate my take-home GS-5 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Chicago pays

  • Base GS-4 Step 1 $27,782
  • Chicago GS-4 Step 1 $35,889
  • Locality add-on +$8,107
  • Adjustment percent 29.18%
  • Base GS-4 Step 10 $36,116
  • Chicago GS-4 Step 10 $46,655

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 Chicago: what to expect

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

For 2022, the Chicago pay area adds a 29.18% 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 Chicago

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Chicago earns roughly $1,380 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,794. 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 Chicago page.

Other grades in Chicago

GS-4 in Chicago questions

  • How much does a GS-4 make in Chicago?
    In 2022, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Chicago earns $35,889 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $46,655. This is 29.18% higher than the base GS-4 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-4 in Chicago?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Chicago in 2022, it is 29.18%. On a GS-4 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $8,107 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-4 in Chicago?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-4 Step 1 employee in Chicago earns roughly $1,380 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.