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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$47,789 GS-6 Step 1 in Washington DC (2023)
$62,122 GS-6 Step 10 in Washington DC (2023)
+$11,719 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2023 GS-6 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-6 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $47,789 $1,838.04 $22.90 +$11,719
Step 2 $49,382 $1,899.31 $23.66 +$12,110
Step 3 $50,974 $1,960.54 $24.42 +$12,500
Step 4 $52,567 $2,021.81 $25.19 +$12,891
Step 5 $54,159 $2,083.04 $25.95 +$13,281
Step 6 $55,752 $2,144.31 $26.71 +$13,672
Step 7 $57,344 $2,205.54 $27.48 +$14,062
Step 8 $58,937 $2,266.81 $28.24 +$14,453
Step 9 $60,529 $2,328.04 $29.00 +$14,843
Step 10 $62,122 $2,389.31 $29.77 +$15,234
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Washington DC pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $36,070
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 1 $47,789
  • Locality add-on +$11,719
  • Adjustment percent 32.49%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $46,888
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 10 $62,122

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 Washington DC: what to expect

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

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

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,838 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,389. 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 Washington DC page.

Other grades in Washington DC

GS-6 in Washington DC questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Washington DC?
    In 2023, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns $47,789 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $62,122. This is 32.49% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 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-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $11,719 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Washington DC?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns roughly $1,838 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.