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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$50,326 GS-6 Step 1 in Washington DC (2024)
$65,425 GS-6 Step 10 in Washington DC (2024)
+$12,561 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2024 GS-6 pay table for Washington DC

Each step below already includes the 33.26% 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 $50,326 $1,935.62 $24.11 +$12,561
Step 2 $52,003 $2,000.12 $24.92 +$12,979
Step 3 $53,681 $2,064.65 $25.72 +$13,398
Step 4 $55,359 $2,129.19 $26.53 +$13,817
Step 5 $57,037 $2,193.73 $27.33 +$14,236
Step 6 $58,714 $2,258.23 $28.13 +$14,654
Step 7 $60,392 $2,322.77 $28.94 +$15,073
Step 8 $62,070 $2,387.31 $29.74 +$15,492
Step 9 $63,748 $2,451.85 $30.55 +$15,911
Step 10 $65,425 $2,516.35 $31.35 +$16,329
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Washington DC pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $37,765
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 1 $50,326
  • Locality add-on +$12,561
  • Adjustment percent 33.26%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $49,096
  • Washington DC GS-6 Step 10 $65,425

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 2024, the Washington DC pay area adds a 33.26% 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 $1,936 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,516. 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 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 2024, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Washington DC earns $50,326 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $65,425. This is 33.26% 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 2024, it is 33.26%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $12,561 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 $1,936 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.