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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$150,858 GS-15 Step 1 in Detroit (2023)
$183,500 GS-15 Step 10 in Detroit (2023)
+$33,340 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2023 GS-15 pay table for Detroit

Each step below already includes the 28.37% 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 $150,858 $5,802.23 $72.28 +$33,340
Step 2 $155,886 $5,995.62 $74.69 +$34,451
Step 3 $160,914 $6,189.00 $77.10 +$35,562
Step 4 $165,943 $6,382.42 $79.51 +$36,674
Step 5 $170,971 $6,575.81 $81.92 +$37,785
Step 6 $175,999 $6,769.19 $84.33 +$38,896
Step 7 $181,027 $6,962.58 $86.74 +$40,007
Step 8 $183,500 $7,057.69 $87.93 +$38,563
Step 9 $183,500 $7,057.69 $87.93 +$34,646
Step 10 $183,500 $7,057.69 $87.93 +$30,729
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Detroit pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $117,518
  • Detroit GS-15 Step 1 $150,858
  • Locality add-on +$33,340
  • Adjustment percent 28.37%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $152,771
  • Detroit 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 Detroit: 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 Detroit pay area adds a 28.37% 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 Detroit

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Detroit earns roughly $5,802 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 Detroit page.

Other grades in Detroit

GS-15 in Detroit questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in Detroit?
    In 2023, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Detroit earns $150,858 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $183,500. This is 28.37% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in Detroit?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Detroit in 2023, it is 28.37%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $33,340 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in Detroit?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in Detroit earns roughly $5,802 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.