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Updated with current federal pay tables and reference data

$52,938 GS-6 Step 1 in Los Angeles (2026)
$68,819 GS-6 Step 10 in Los Angeles (2026)
+$14,147 Locality add-on at Step 1 vs. base

2026 GS-6 pay table for Los Angeles

Each step below already includes the 36.47% 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 $52,938 $2,036.08 $25.37 +$14,147
Step 2 $54,703 $2,103.96 $26.21 +$14,619
Step 3 $56,467 $2,171.81 $27.06 +$15,090
Step 4 $58,232 $2,239.69 $27.90 +$15,562
Step 5 $59,996 $2,307.54 $28.75 +$16,033
Step 6 $61,761 $2,375.42 $29.59 +$16,505
Step 7 $63,525 $2,443.27 $30.44 +$16,976
Step 8 $65,290 $2,511.15 $31.28 +$17,448
Step 9 $67,055 $2,579.04 $32.13 +$17,920
Step 10 $68,819 $2,646.88 $32.98 +$18,391
← GS-5 Calculate my take-home GS-7 →

Base vs. locality comparison

How much more Los Angeles pays

  • Base GS-6 Step 1 $38,791
  • Los Angeles GS-6 Step 1 $52,938
  • Locality add-on +$14,147
  • Adjustment percent 36.47%
  • Base GS-6 Step 10 $50,428
  • Los Angeles GS-6 Step 10 $68,819

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 Los Angeles: what to expect

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

For 2026, the Los Angeles pay area adds a 36.47% 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 Los Angeles

Before taxes and deductions, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Los Angeles earns roughly $2,036 per biweekly pay period. At Step 10 that rises to $2,647. Actual take-home will be lower after federal tax, state tax, TSP contributions, retirement and health insurance deductions.

Other grades in Los Angeles

GS-6 in Los Angeles questions

  • How much does a GS-6 make in Los Angeles?
    In 2026, a GS-6 Step 1 employee in Los Angeles earns $52,938 per year. At Step 10 the salary reaches $68,819. This is 36.47% higher than the base GS-6 salary.
  • What is the locality adjustment for GS-6 in Los Angeles?
    The locality adjustment is the same for every grade and step within a pay area. For Los Angeles in 2026, it is 36.47%. On a GS-6 Step 1 salary that translates to an extra $14,147 per year.
  • What is the biweekly pay for GS-6 in Los Angeles?
    Biweekly pay is annual salary divided by 26. A GS-6 Step 1 employee in Los Angeles earns roughly $2,036 per pay period before tax and retirement deductions.