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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$47,270 GS-6 Step 1 in Boston (2023)
$61,447 GS-6 Step 10 in Boston (2023)
+$11,200 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2023 GS-6 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-6 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $47,270 $1,818.08 $22.65 +$11,200
Step 2 $48,845 $1,878.65 $23.40 +$11,573
Step 3 $50,420 $1,939.23 $24.16 +$11,946
Step 4 $51,995 $1,999.81 $24.91 +$12,319
Step 5 $53,571 $2,060.42 $25.67 +$12,693
Step 6 $55,146 $2,121.00 $26.42 +$13,066
Step 7 $56,721 $2,181.58 $27.18 +$13,439
Step 8 $58,296 $2,242.15 $27.93 +$13,812
Step 9 $59,872 $2,302.77 $28.69 +$14,186
Step 10 $61,447 $2,363.35 $29.44 +$14,559

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Boston pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $36,070
  • Boston GS-6 Step 1 $47,270
  • Locality add-on +$11,200
  • Adjustment percent 31.05%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $46,888
  • Boston GS-6 Step 10 $61,447

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-6 in Boston: what to expect

Experienced technicians and mid-level administrative support, including contract specialists, paralegals, medical technicians and HR specialists.

For 2023, the Boston pay area adds a 31.05% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-6 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-5 level, or a master's degree for some series.

Promotion path. Promoted to GS-7 after one year of creditable experience in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-6 is O-1 Second Lieutenant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-6 in Boston

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Boston earns roughly $1,818 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,363. 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-6 Boston page.

Other grades in Boston

GS-6 in Boston questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Boston?
    In 2023, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Boston earns $47,270 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $61,447. This is 31.05% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 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-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $11,200 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Boston?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Boston earns roughly $1,818 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.