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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$49,838 GS-6 Step 1 in Boston (2024)
$64,792 GS-6 Step 10 in Boston (2024)
+$12,073 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2024 GS-6 pay table for Boston

Each step below already includes the 31.97% 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 $49,838 $1,916.85 $23.88 +$12,073
Step 2 $51,500 $1,980.77 $24.68 +$12,476
Step 3 $53,161 $2,044.65 $25.47 +$12,878
Step 4 $54,823 $2,108.58 $26.27 +$13,281
Step 5 $56,484 $2,172.46 $27.06 +$13,683
Step 6 $58,146 $2,236.38 $27.86 +$14,086
Step 7 $59,807 $2,300.27 $28.66 +$14,488
Step 8 $61,469 $2,364.19 $29.45 +$14,891
Step 9 $63,130 $2,428.08 $30.25 +$15,293
Step 10 $64,792 $2,492.00 $31.05 +$15,696

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Boston pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $37,765
  • Boston GS-6 Step 1 $49,838
  • Locality add-on +$12,073
  • Adjustment percent 31.97%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $49,096
  • Boston GS-6 Step 10 $64,792

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 2024, the Boston pay area adds a 31.97% 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 $1,917 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,492. 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-6 Boston page.

Other grades in Boston

GS-6 in Boston questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Boston?
    In 2024, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Boston earns $49,838 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $64,792. This is 31.97% 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 2024, it is 31.97%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $12,073 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 $1,917 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.