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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$39,488 GS-4 Step 1 in Chicago (2024)
$51,331 GS-4 Step 10 in Chicago (2024)
+$9,208 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2024 GS-4 pay table for Chicago

Each step below already includes the 30.41% 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 $39,488 $1,518.77 $18.92 +$9,208
Step 2 $40,804 $1,569.38 $19.55 +$9,515
Step 3 $42,120 $1,620.00 $20.18 +$9,822
Step 4 $43,436 $1,670.62 $20.81 +$10,129
Step 5 $44,751 $1,721.19 $21.44 +$10,435
Step 6 $46,067 $1,771.81 $22.07 +$10,742
Step 7 $47,383 $1,822.42 $22.70 +$11,049
Step 8 $48,699 $1,873.04 $23.33 +$11,356
Step 9 $50,015 $1,923.65 $23.97 +$11,663
Step 10 $51,331 $1,974.27 $24.60 +$11,970
← GS-3 Calculate my take-home GS-5 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Chicago pays

  • Base GS-4 Step 1 $30,280
  • Chicago GS-4 Step 1 $39,488
  • Locality add-on +$9,208
  • Adjustment percent 30.41%
  • Base GS-4 Step 10 $39,361
  • Chicago GS-4 Step 10 $51,331

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 Chicago: what to expect

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

For 2024, the Chicago pay area adds a 30.41% 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 Chicago

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Chicago earns roughly $1,519 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $1,974. 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-4 Chicago page.

Other grades in Chicago

GS-4 in Chicago questions

  • How much does a GS-4 make in Chicago?
    In 2024, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Chicago earns $39,488 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $51,331. This is 30.41% higher than the base GS-4 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-4 in Chicago?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Chicago in 2024, it is 30.41%. On a GS-4 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $9,208 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-4 in Chicago?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-4 Step 1 employee in Chicago earns roughly $1,519 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.