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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$45,075 GS-6 Step 1 in Boston (2022)
$58,598 GS-6 Step 10 in Boston (2022)
+$10,426 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2022 GS-6 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-6 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $45,075 $1,733.65 $21.60 +$10,426
Step 2 $46,577 $1,791.42 $22.32 +$10,773
Step 3 $48,080 $1,849.23 $23.04 +$11,121
Step 4 $49,583 $1,907.04 $23.76 +$11,469
Step 5 $51,085 $1,964.81 $24.48 +$11,816
Step 6 $52,588 $2,022.62 $25.20 +$12,164
Step 7 $54,090 $2,080.38 $25.92 +$12,511
Step 8 $55,593 $2,138.19 $26.64 +$12,859
Step 9 $57,095 $2,195.96 $27.36 +$13,206
Step 10 $58,598 $2,253.77 $28.08 +$13,554

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Boston pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $34,649
  • Boston GS-6 Step 1 $45,075
  • Locality add-on +$10,426
  • Adjustment percent 30.09%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $45,044
  • Boston GS-6 Step 10 $58,598

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 Boston: what to expect

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

For 2022, the Boston pay area adds a 30.09% 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 Boston

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Boston earns roughly $1,734 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,254. 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-6 Boston page.

Other grades in Boston

GS-6 in Boston questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Boston?
    In 2022, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Boston earns $45,075 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $58,598. This is 30.09% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 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-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $10,426 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Boston?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Boston earns roughly $1,734 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.