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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$97,307 GS-12 Step 1 in Dallas (2026)
$126,502 GS-12 Step 10 in Dallas (2026)
+$20,844 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2026 GS-12 pay table for Dallas

Each step below already includes the 27.26% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-12 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $97,307 $3,742.58 $46.63 +$20,844
Step 2 $100,551 $3,867.35 $48.18 +$21,539
Step 3 $103,795 $3,992.12 $49.73 +$22,234
Step 4 $107,038 $4,116.85 $51.29 +$22,928
Step 5 $110,282 $4,241.62 $52.84 +$23,623
Step 6 $113,526 $4,366.38 $54.40 +$24,318
Step 7 $116,770 $4,491.15 $55.95 +$25,013
Step 8 $120,014 $4,615.92 $57.51 +$25,708
Step 9 $123,258 $4,740.69 $59.06 +$26,403
Step 10 $126,502 $4,865.46 $60.61 +$27,098

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Dallas pays

  • Base GS-12 Step 1 $76,463
  • Dallas GS-12 Step 1 $97,307
  • Locality add-on +$20,844
  • Adjustment percent 27.26%
  • Base GS-12 Step 10 $99,404
  • Dallas GS-12 Step 10 $126,502

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-12 in Dallas: what to expect

Experienced professionals and working-level experts. This is the most common GS grade for mid-career federal employees. Many policy, acquisition, engineering and scientific specialists sit at GS-12.

For 2026, the Dallas pay area adds a 27.26% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-12 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-11 level.

Promotion path. Competitive promotion to GS-13 requires a GS-13 vacancy and selection on merit.

The rough military equivalent for GS-12 is O-5 Lieutenant Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-12 in Dallas

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in Dallas earns roughly $3,743 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $4,865. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Other grades in Dallas

GS-12 in Dallas questions

  • How much does a GS-12 make in Dallas?
    In 2026, a GS-12 Step 1 employee in Dallas earns $97,307 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $126,502. This is 27.26% higher than the base GS-12 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-12 in Dallas?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Dallas in 2026, it is 27.26%. On a GS-12 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $20,844 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-12 in Dallas?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-12 Step 1 employee in Dallas earns roughly $3,743 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.