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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$43,987 GS-6 Step 1 in Philadelphia (2022)
$57,183 GS-6 Step 10 in Philadelphia (2022)
+$9,338 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2022 GS-6 pay table for Philadelphia

Each step below already includes the 26.95% 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 $43,987 $1,691.81 $21.08 +$9,338
Step 2 $45,453 $1,748.19 $21.78 +$9,649
Step 3 $46,919 $1,804.58 $22.48 +$9,960
Step 4 $48,386 $1,861.00 $23.18 +$10,272
Step 5 $49,852 $1,917.38 $23.89 +$10,583
Step 6 $51,318 $1,973.77 $24.59 +$10,894
Step 7 $52,785 $2,030.19 $25.29 +$11,206
Step 8 $54,251 $2,086.58 $25.99 +$11,517
Step 9 $55,717 $2,142.96 $26.70 +$11,828
Step 10 $57,183 $2,199.35 $27.40 +$12,139
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Philadelphia pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $34,649
  • Philadelphia GS-6 Step 1 $43,987
  • Locality add-on +$9,338
  • Adjustment percent 26.95%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $45,044
  • Philadelphia GS-6 Step 10 $57,183

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 2022, the Philadelphia pay area adds a 26.95% 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 $1,692 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,199. 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 Philadelphia page.

Other grades in Philadelphia

GS-6 in Philadelphia questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Philadelphia?
    In 2022, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Philadelphia earns $43,987 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $57,183. This is 26.95% 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 2022, it is 26.95%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $9,338 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 $1,692 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.