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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$150,098 GS-15 Step 1 in Buffalo (2024)
$191,900 GS-15 Step 10 in Buffalo (2024)
+$27,057 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2024 GS-15 pay table for Buffalo

Each step below already includes the 21.99% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-15 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $150,098 $5,773.00 $71.92 +$27,057
Step 2 $155,101 $5,965.42 $74.32 +$27,959
Step 3 $160,103 $6,157.81 $76.71 +$28,860
Step 4 $165,106 $6,350.23 $79.11 +$29,762
Step 5 $170,109 $6,542.65 $81.51 +$30,664
Step 6 $175,112 $6,735.08 $83.91 +$31,566
Step 7 $180,115 $6,927.50 $86.30 +$32,468
Step 8 $185,117 $7,119.88 $88.70 +$33,369
Step 9 $190,120 $7,312.31 $91.10 +$34,271
Step 10 $191,900 $7,380.77 $91.95 +$31,950
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Buffalo pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $123,041
  • Buffalo GS-15 Step 1 $150,098
  • Locality add-on +$27,057
  • Adjustment percent 21.99%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $159,950
  • Buffalo GS-15 Step 10 $191,900

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-15 in Buffalo: what to expect

Senior executives just below the Senior Executive Service. Division directors, senior scientists and agency experts typically top out at GS-15.

For 2024, the Buffalo pay area adds a 21.99% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-15 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-14 level, plus demonstrated leadership.

Promotion path. Further advancement requires selection into the Senior Executive Service (SES).

The rough military equivalent for GS-15 is O-6 Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-15 in Buffalo

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Buffalo earns roughly $5,773 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $7,381. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Note. This is the archived 2024 table. For current pay, open the latest GS-15 Buffalo page.

Other grades in Buffalo

GS-15 in Buffalo questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in Buffalo?
    In 2024, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Buffalo earns $150,098 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $191,900. This is 21.99% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in Buffalo?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Buffalo in 2024, it is 21.99%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $27,057 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in Buffalo?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in Buffalo earns roughly $5,773 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.