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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$160,836 GS-15 Step 1 in Dallas (2026)
$197,200 GS-15 Step 10 in Dallas (2026)
+$34,452 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2026 GS-15 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-15 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $160,836 $6,186.00 $77.07 +$34,452
Step 2 $166,198 $6,392.23 $79.63 +$35,601
Step 3 $171,559 $6,598.42 $82.20 +$36,749
Step 4 $176,921 $6,804.65 $84.77 +$37,898
Step 5 $182,282 $7,010.85 $87.34 +$39,046
Step 6 $187,644 $7,217.08 $89.91 +$40,195
Step 7 $193,005 $7,423.27 $92.48 +$41,343
Step 8 $197,200 $7,584.62 $94.49 +$41,325
Step 9 $197,200 $7,584.62 $94.49 +$37,112
Step 10 $197,200 $7,584.62 $94.49 +$32,899
← GS-14 Calculate my take-home

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Dallas pays

  • Base GS-15 Step 1 $126,384
  • Dallas GS-15 Step 1 $160,836
  • Locality add-on +$34,452
  • Adjustment percent 27.26%
  • Base GS-15 Step 10 $164,301
  • Dallas GS-15 Step 10 $197,200

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-15 in Dallas: what to expect

Senior executives just below the Senior Executive Service. Division directors, senior scientists and agency experts typically top out at GS-15.

For 2026, the Dallas pay area adds a 27.26% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-15 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-14 level, plus demonstrated leadership.

Promotion path. Further advancement requires selection into the Senior Executive Service (SES).

The rough military equivalent for GS-15 is O-6 Colonel, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-15 in Dallas

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Dallas earns roughly $6,186 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $7,585. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Other grades in Dallas

GS-15 in Dallas questions

  • How much does a GS-15 make in Dallas?
    In 2026, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Dallas earns $160,836 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $197,200. This is 27.26% higher than the base GS-15 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 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-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $34,452 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in Dallas?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in Dallas earns roughly $6,186 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.