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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$45,574 GS-6 Step 1 in Washington DC (2022)
$59,246 GS-6 Step 10 in Washington DC (2022)
+$10,925 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2022 GS-6 pay table for Washington DC

Each step below already includes the 31.53% 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 $45,574 $1,752.85 $21.84 +$10,925
Step 2 $47,093 $1,811.27 $22.56 +$11,289
Step 3 $48,612 $1,869.69 $23.29 +$11,653
Step 4 $50,131 $1,928.12 $24.02 +$12,017
Step 5 $51,651 $1,986.58 $24.75 +$12,382
Step 6 $53,170 $2,045.00 $25.48 +$12,746
Step 7 $54,689 $2,103.42 $26.20 +$13,110
Step 8 $56,208 $2,161.85 $26.93 +$13,474
Step 9 $57,727 $2,220.27 $27.66 +$13,838
Step 10 $59,246 $2,278.69 $28.39 +$14,202
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Washington DC pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $34,649
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 1 $45,574
  • Locality add-on +$10,925
  • Adjustment percent 31.53%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $45,044
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 10 $59,246

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 Washington DC: what to expect

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

For 2022, the Washington DC pay area adds a 31.53% 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 Washington DC

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,753 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,279. 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 Washington DC page.

Other grades in Washington DC

GS-6 in Washington DC questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Washington DC?
    In 2022, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns $45,574 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $59,246. This is 31.53% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in Washington DC?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Washington DC in 2022, it is 31.53%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $10,925 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Washington DC?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,753 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.