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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$41,989 GS-4 Step 1 in Houston (2026)
$54,589 GS-4 Step 10 in Houston (2026)
+$10,886 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2026 GS-4 pay table for Houston

Each step below already includes the 35.00% 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 $41,989 $1,614.96 $20.12 +$10,886
Step 2 $43,389 $1,668.81 $20.79 +$11,249
Step 3 $44,789 $1,722.65 $21.46 +$11,612
Step 4 $46,189 $1,776.50 $22.13 +$11,975
Step 5 $47,589 $1,830.35 $22.80 +$12,338
Step 6 $48,989 $1,884.19 $23.47 +$12,701
Step 7 $50,389 $1,938.04 $24.14 +$13,064
Step 8 $51,789 $1,991.88 $24.82 +$13,427
Step 9 $53,189 $2,045.73 $25.49 +$13,790
Step 10 $54,589 $2,099.58 $26.16 +$14,153
← GS-3 Calculate my take-home GS-5 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Houston pays

  • Base GS-4 Step 1 $31,103
  • Houston GS-4 Step 1 $41,989
  • Locality add-on +$10,886
  • Adjustment percent 35.00%
  • Base GS-4 Step 10 $40,436
  • Houston GS-4 Step 10 $54,589

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 Houston: what to expect

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

For 2026, the Houston pay area adds a 35.00% 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 Houston

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Houston earns roughly $1,615 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,100. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Other grades in Houston

GS-4 in Houston questions

  • How much does a GS-4 make in Houston?
    In 2026, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Houston earns $41,989 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $54,589. This is 35.00% higher than the base GS-4 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-4 in Houston?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Houston in 2026, it is 35.00%. On a GS-4 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $10,886 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-4 in Houston?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-4 Step 1 employee in Houston earns roughly $1,615 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.