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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$38,890 GS-4 Step 1 in Houston (2023)
$50,557 GS-4 Step 10 in Houston (2023)
+$9,969 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2023 GS-4 pay table for Houston

Each step below already includes the 34.47% 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 $38,890 $1,495.77 $18.63 +$9,969
Step 2 $40,186 $1,545.62 $19.26 +$10,301
Step 3 $41,483 $1,595.50 $19.88 +$10,634
Step 4 $42,779 $1,645.35 $20.50 +$10,966
Step 5 $44,075 $1,695.19 $21.12 +$11,298
Step 6 $45,372 $1,745.08 $21.74 +$11,631
Step 7 $46,668 $1,794.92 $22.36 +$11,963
Step 8 $47,964 $1,844.77 $22.98 +$12,295
Step 9 $49,260 $1,894.62 $23.60 +$12,627
Step 10 $50,557 $1,944.50 $24.22 +$12,960
← GS-3 Calculate my take-home GS-5 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Houston pays

  • Base GS-4 Step 1 $28,921
  • Houston GS-4 Step 1 $38,890
  • Locality add-on +$9,969
  • Adjustment percent 34.47%
  • Base GS-4 Step 10 $37,597
  • Houston GS-4 Step 10 $50,557

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 Houston: what to expect

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

For 2023, the Houston pay area adds a 34.47% 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 Houston

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Houston earns roughly $1,496 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,945. 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 Houston page.

Other grades in Houston

GS-4 in Houston questions

  • How much does a GS-4 make in Houston?
    In 2023, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Houston earns $38,890 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $50,557. This is 34.47% higher than the base GS-4 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-4 in Houston?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Houston in 2023, it is 34.47%. On a GS-4 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $9,969 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-4 in Houston?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-4 Step 1 employee in Houston earns roughly $1,496 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.