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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$49,541 GS-6 Step 1 in Philadelphia (2025)
$64,401 GS-6 Step 10 in Philadelphia (2025)
+$11,134 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2025 GS-6 pay table for Philadelphia

Each step below already includes the 28.99% 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 $49,541 $1,905.42 $23.74 +$11,134
Step 2 $51,192 $1,968.92 $24.53 +$11,505
Step 3 $52,843 $2,032.42 $25.32 +$11,876
Step 4 $54,494 $2,095.92 $26.11 +$12,247
Step 5 $56,145 $2,159.42 $26.90 +$12,618
Step 6 $57,797 $2,222.96 $27.69 +$12,990
Step 7 $59,448 $2,286.46 $28.48 +$13,361
Step 8 $61,099 $2,349.96 $29.28 +$13,732
Step 9 $62,750 $2,413.46 $30.07 +$14,103
Step 10 $64,401 $2,476.96 $30.86 +$14,474
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Philadelphia pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $38,407
  • Philadelphia GS-6 Step 1 $49,541
  • Locality add-on +$11,134
  • Adjustment percent 28.99%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $49,927
  • Philadelphia GS-6 Step 10 $64,401

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 Philadelphia: what to expect

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

For 2025, the Philadelphia pay area adds a 28.99% 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 Philadelphia

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Philadelphia earns roughly $1,905 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,477. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Note. This is the archived 2025 table. For current pay, open the latest GS-6 Philadelphia page.

Other grades in Philadelphia

GS-6 in Philadelphia questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Philadelphia?
    In 2025, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Philadelphia earns $49,541 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $64,401. This is 28.99% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in Philadelphia?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Philadelphia in 2025, it is 28.99%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $11,134 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Philadelphia?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Philadelphia earns roughly $1,905 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.