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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$45,901 GS-6 Step 1 in Albuquerque (2026)
$59,671 GS-6 Step 10 in Albuquerque (2026)
+$7,110 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2026 GS-6 pay table for Albuquerque

Each step below already includes the 18.33% locality adjustment. The "Locality add-on" column shows how much locality pay is adding compared with the base GS-6 table.

Step Annual salary Biweekly pay Hourly rate Locality add-on
Step 1 $45,901 $1,765.42 $21.99 +$7,110
Step 2 $47,431 $1,824.27 $22.73 +$7,347
Step 3 $48,961 $1,883.12 $23.46 +$7,584
Step 4 $50,491 $1,941.96 $24.19 +$7,821
Step 5 $52,021 $2,000.81 $24.93 +$8,058
Step 6 $53,551 $2,059.65 $25.66 +$8,295
Step 7 $55,081 $2,118.50 $26.39 +$8,532
Step 8 $56,611 $2,177.35 $27.13 +$8,769
Step 9 $58,141 $2,236.19 $27.86 +$9,006
Step 10 $59,671 $2,295.04 $28.59 +$9,243
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Albuquerque pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $38,791
  • Albuquerque GS-6 Step 1 $45,901
  • Locality add-on +$7,110
  • Adjustment percent 18.33%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $50,428
  • Albuquerque GS-6 Step 10 $59,671

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-6 in Albuquerque: what to expect

Experienced technicians and mid-level administrative support, including contract specialists, paralegals, medical technicians and HR specialists.

For 2026, the Albuquerque pay area adds a 18.33% locality adjustment on top of the nationwide base GS schedule. Every GS-6 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-5 level, or a master's degree for some series.

Promotion path. Promoted to GS-7 after one year of creditable experience in the grade.

The rough military equivalent for GS-6 is O-1 Second Lieutenant, useful for comparing GS roles against enlisted and officer ranks when looking at pay or authority level.

Biweekly take-home for GS-6 in Albuquerque

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Albuquerque earns roughly $1,765 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,295. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Other grades in Albuquerque

GS-6 in Albuquerque questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Albuquerque?
    In 2026, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Albuquerque earns $45,901 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $59,671. This is 18.33% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in Albuquerque?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Albuquerque in 2026, it is 18.33%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $7,110 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Albuquerque?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Albuquerque earns roughly $1,765 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.