2026 GS-15 Pay in Denver
GS-15 employees with a duty station in Denver-Aurora, CO earn 30.52% on top of the base GS-15 pay scale. That means a GS-15 Step 1 salary jumps from $126,384 on the base table to $164,956 in Denver.
2026 GS-15 Pay in Denver
Locality-adjusted GS-15 rates for Denver-Aurora, CO.
| Step | Annual salary | Biweekly pay | Hourly rate | Locality add-on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $164,956 | $6,344.46 | $79.04 | +$38,572 |
| Step 2 | $170,455 | $6,555.96 | $81.67 | +$39,858 |
| Step 3 | $175,954 | $6,767.46 | $84.31 | +$41,144 |
| Step 4 | $181,453 | $6,978.96 | $86.94 | +$42,430 |
| Step 5 | $186,952 | $7,190.46 | $89.58 | +$43,716 |
| Step 6 | $192,450 | $7,401.92 | $92.21 | +$45,001 |
| Step 7 | $197,200 | $7,584.62 | $94.49 | +$45,538 |
| 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 |
2026 GS-15 pay table for Denver
Each step below already includes the 30.52% 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 | $164,956 | $6,344.46 | $79.04 | +$38,572 |
| Step 2 | $170,455 | $6,555.96 | $81.67 | +$39,858 |
| Step 3 | $175,954 | $6,767.46 | $84.31 | +$41,144 |
| Step 4 | $181,453 | $6,978.96 | $86.94 | +$42,430 |
| Step 5 | $186,952 | $7,190.46 | $89.58 | +$43,716 |
| Step 6 | $192,450 | $7,401.92 | $92.21 | +$45,001 |
| Step 7 | $197,200 | $7,584.62 | $94.49 | +$45,538 |
| 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 |
Base vs. locality comparison
How much more Denver pays
Step-increase waiting periods
GS-15 in Denver: 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 Denver pay area adds a 30.52% 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 Denver
Before taxes and deductions, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Denver earns roughly $6,344 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 Denver
GS-15 in Denver questions
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How much does a GS-15 make in Denver?
In 2026, a GS-15 Step 1 employee in Denver earns $164,956 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $197,200. This is 30.52% higher than the base GS-15 salary. -
What is the locality adjustment for GS-15 in Denver?
The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Denver in 2026, it is 30.52%. On a GS-15 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $38,572 per year. -
What is the biweekly pay for GS-15 in Denver?
Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-15 Step 1 employee in Denver earns roughly $6,344 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.