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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$142,514 GS-15 Step 1 in Columbus (2023)
$183,500 GS-15 Step 10 in Columbus (2023)
+$24,996 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2023 GS-15 pay table for Columbus

Each step below already includes the 21.27% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-15 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $142,514 $5,481.31 $68.29 +$24,996
Step 2 $147,264 $5,664.00 $70.56 +$25,829
Step 3 $152,014 $5,846.69 $72.84 +$26,662
Step 4 $156,765 $6,029.42 $75.11 +$27,496
Step 5 $161,515 $6,212.12 $77.39 +$28,329
Step 6 $166,265 $6,394.81 $79.67 +$29,162
Step 7 $171,015 $6,577.50 $81.94 +$29,995
Step 8 $175,765 $6,760.19 $84.22 +$30,828
Step 9 $180,515 $6,942.88 $86.49 +$31,661
Step 10 $183,500 $7,057.69 $87.93 +$30,729
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Columbus pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $117,518
  • Columbus GS-15 Step 1 $142,514
  • Locality add-on +$24,996
  • Adjustment percent 21.27%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $152,771
  • Columbus GS-15 Step 10 $183,500

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-15 in Columbus: what to expect

Senior executives just below the Senior Executive Service. Division directors, senior scientists and agency experts typically top out at GS-15.

For 2023, the Columbus pay area adds a 21.27% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-15 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-14 level, plus demonstrated leadership.

Promotion path. Further advancement requires selection into the Senior Executive Service (SES).

The rough military equivalent for GS-15 is O-6 Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-15 in Columbus

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Columbus earns roughly $5,481 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $7,058. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Note. This is the archived 2023 table. For current pay, open the latest GS-15 Columbus page.

Other grades in Columbus

GS-15 in Columbus questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in Columbus?
    In 2023, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Columbus earns $142,514 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $183,500. This is 21.27% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in Columbus?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Columbus in 2023, it is 21.27%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $24,996 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in Columbus?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in Columbus earns roughly $5,481 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.