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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$37,537 GS-4 Step 1 in Chicago (2023)
$48,797 GS-4 Step 10 in Chicago (2023)
+$8,616 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2023 GS-4 pay table for Chicago

Each step below already includes the 29.79% 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 $37,537 $1,443.73 $17.99 +$8,616
Step 2 $38,788 $1,491.85 $18.59 +$8,903
Step 3 $40,039 $1,539.96 $19.18 +$9,190
Step 4 $41,290 $1,588.08 $19.78 +$9,477
Step 5 $42,541 $1,636.19 $20.38 +$9,764
Step 6 $43,792 $1,684.31 $20.98 +$10,051
Step 7 $45,044 $1,732.46 $21.58 +$10,339
Step 8 $46,295 $1,780.58 $22.18 +$10,626
Step 9 $47,546 $1,828.69 $22.78 +$10,913
Step 10 $48,797 $1,876.81 $23.38 +$11,200
← GS-3 Calculate my take-home GS-5 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Chicago pays

  • Base GS-4 Step 1 $28,921
  • Chicago GS-4 Step 1 $37,537
  • Locality add-on +$8,616
  • Adjustment percent 29.79%
  • Base GS-4 Step 10 $37,597
  • Chicago GS-4 Step 10 $48,797

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 Chicago: what to expect

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

For 2023, the Chicago pay area adds a 29.79% 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 Chicago

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Chicago earns roughly $1,444 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,877. 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 Chicago page.

Other grades in Chicago

GS-4 in Chicago questions

  • How much does a GS-4 make in Chicago?
    In 2023, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Chicago earns $37,537 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $48,797. This is 29.79% higher than the base GS-4 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-4 in Chicago?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Chicago in 2023, it is 29.79%. On a GS-4 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $8,616 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-4 in Chicago?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-4 Step 1 employee in Chicago earns roughly $1,444 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.