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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$38,317 GS-4 Step 1 in Washington DC (2023)
$49,812 GS-4 Step 10 in Washington DC (2023)
+$9,396 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2023 GS-4 pay table for Washington DC

Each step below already includes the 32.49% 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 $38,317 $1,473.73 $18.36 +$9,396
Step 2 $39,595 $1,522.88 $18.97 +$9,710
Step 3 $40,872 $1,572.00 $19.58 +$10,023
Step 4 $42,149 $1,621.12 $20.20 +$10,336
Step 5 $43,426 $1,670.23 $20.81 +$10,649
Step 6 $44,703 $1,719.35 $21.42 +$10,962
Step 7 $45,981 $1,768.50 $22.03 +$11,276
Step 8 $47,258 $1,817.62 $22.64 +$11,589
Step 9 $48,535 $1,866.73 $23.26 +$11,902
Step 10 $49,812 $1,915.85 $23.87 +$12,215
← GS-3 Calculate my take-home GS-5 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Washington DC pays

  • Base GS-4 Step 1 $28,921
  • Washington DC GS-4 Step 1 $38,317
  • Locality add-on +$9,396
  • Adjustment percent 32.49%
  • Base GS-4 Step 10 $37,597
  • Washington DC GS-4 Step 10 $49,812

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 Washington DC: what to expect

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

For 2023, the Washington DC pay area adds a 32.49% 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 Washington DC

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,474 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,916. 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 Washington DC page.

Other grades in Washington DC

GS-4 in Washington DC questions

  • How much does a GS-4 make in Washington DC?
    In 2023, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns $38,317 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $49,812. This is 32.49% higher than the base GS-4 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-4 in Washington DC?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Washington DC in 2023, it is 32.49%. On a GS-4 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $9,396 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-4 in Washington DC?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-4 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,474 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.