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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$40,922 GS-4 Step 1 in Seattle (2026)
$53,202 GS-4 Step 10 in Seattle (2026)
+$9,819 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2026 GS-4 pay table for Seattle

Each step below already includes the 31.57% 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 $40,922 $1,573.92 $19.61 +$9,819
Step 2 $42,287 $1,626.42 $20.26 +$10,147
Step 3 $43,651 $1,678.88 $20.92 +$10,474
Step 4 $45,015 $1,731.35 $21.57 +$10,801
Step 5 $46,380 $1,783.85 $22.22 +$11,129
Step 6 $47,744 $1,836.31 $22.88 +$11,456
Step 7 $49,109 $1,888.81 $23.53 +$11,784
Step 8 $50,473 $1,941.27 $24.18 +$12,111
Step 9 $51,837 $1,993.73 $24.84 +$12,438
Step 10 $53,202 $2,046.23 $25.49 +$12,766
← GS-3 Calculate my take-home GS-5 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Seattle pays

  • Base GS-4 Step 1 $31,103
  • Seattle GS-4 Step 1 $40,922
  • Locality add-on +$9,819
  • Adjustment percent 31.57%
  • Base GS-4 Step 10 $40,436
  • Seattle GS-4 Step 10 $53,202

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 Seattle: what to expect

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

For 2026, the Seattle pay area adds a 31.57% 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 Seattle

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Seattle earns roughly $1,574 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,046. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Other grades in Seattle

GS-4 in Seattle questions

  • How much does a GS-4 make in Seattle?
    In 2026, a GS-4 Step 1 employee in Seattle earns $40,922 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $53,202. This is 31.57% higher than the base GS-4 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-4 in Seattle?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Seattle in 2026, it is 31.57%. On a GS-4 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $9,819 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-4 in Seattle?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-4 Step 1 employee in Seattle earns roughly $1,574 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.