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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$37,901 GS-4 Step 1 in Boston (2023)
$49,271 GS-4 Step 10 in Boston (2023)
+$8,980 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2023 GS-4 pay table for Boston

Each step below already includes the 31.05% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-4 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $37,901 $1,457.73 $18.16 +$8,980
Step 2 $39,164 $1,506.31 $18.77 +$9,279
Step 3 $40,428 $1,554.92 $19.37 +$9,579
Step 4 $41,691 $1,603.50 $19.98 +$9,878
Step 5 $42,954 $1,652.08 $20.58 +$10,177
Step 6 $44,218 $1,700.69 $21.19 +$10,477
Step 7 $45,481 $1,749.27 $21.79 +$10,776
Step 8 $46,744 $1,797.85 $22.40 +$11,075
Step 9 $48,008 $1,846.46 $23.00 +$11,375
Step 10 $49,271 $1,895.04 $23.61 +$11,674

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Boston pays

  • Base GS-4 Step 1 $28,921
  • Boston GS-4 Step 1 $37,901
  • Locality add-on +$8,980
  • Adjustment percent 31.05%
  • Base GS-4 Step 10 $37,597
  • Boston GS-4 Step 10 $49,271

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-4 in Boston: what to expect

Office assistants, supply and inventory clerks, entry-level technicians and program aides.

For 2023, the Boston pay area adds a 31.05% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-4 employee assigned to this area benefits from that same percentage, regardless of step or series.

Qualifications and career path

Minimum qualifications. Two years of post-secondary education, an associate's degree, or one year of GS-3 equivalent experience.

Promotion path. Usually promoted to GS-5 after one year in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-4 is E-5 Sergeant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-4 in Boston

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Boston earns roughly $1,458 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,895. 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-4 Boston page.

Other grades in Boston

GS-4 in Boston questions

  • How much does a GS-4 make in Boston?
    In 2023, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Boston earns $37,901 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $49,271. This is 31.05% higher than the base GS-4 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-4 in Boston?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Boston in 2023, it is 31.05%. On a GS-4 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $8,980 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-4 in Boston?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-4 Step 1 employee in Boston earns roughly $1,458 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.