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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$41,236 GS-4 Step 1 in Boston (2026)
$53,610 GS-4 Step 10 in Boston (2026)
+$10,133 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2026 GS-4 pay table for Boston

Each step below already includes the 32.58% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-4 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $41,236 $1,586.00 $19.76 +$10,133
Step 2 $42,611 $1,638.88 $20.42 +$10,471
Step 3 $43,986 $1,691.77 $21.08 +$10,809
Step 4 $45,361 $1,744.65 $21.74 +$11,147
Step 5 $46,736 $1,797.54 $22.39 +$11,485
Step 6 $48,111 $1,850.42 $23.05 +$11,823
Step 7 $49,485 $1,903.27 $23.71 +$12,160
Step 8 $50,860 $1,956.15 $24.37 +$12,498
Step 9 $52,235 $2,009.04 $25.03 +$12,836
Step 10 $53,610 $2,061.92 $25.69 +$13,174

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Boston pays

  • Base GS-4 Step 1 $31,103
  • Boston GS-4 Step 1 $41,236
  • Locality add-on +$10,133
  • Adjustment percent 32.58%
  • Base GS-4 Step 10 $40,436
  • Boston GS-4 Step 10 $53,610

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-4 in Boston: what to expect

Office assistants, supply and inventory clerks, entry-level technicians and program aides.

For 2026, the Boston pay area adds a 32.58% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-4 employee assigned to this area benefits from that same percentage, regardless of step or series.

Qualifications and career path

Minimum qualifications. Two years of post-secondary education, an associate's degree, or one year of GS-3 equivalent experience.

Promotion path. Usually promoted to GS-5 after one year in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-4 is E-5 Sergeant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-4 in Boston

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Boston earns roughly $1,586 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,062. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Other grades in Boston

GS-4 in Boston questions

  • How much does a GS-4 make in Boston?
    In 2026, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Boston earns $41,236 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $53,610. This is 32.58% higher than the base GS-4 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-4 in Boston?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Boston in 2026, it is 32.58%. On a GS-4 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $10,133 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-4 in Boston?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-4 Step 1 employee in Boston earns roughly $1,586 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.