The 2026 U.S. General Schedule (GS) Pay Scale covers federal civilian salaries across GS-1 through GS-15 and 10 pay steps within each grade. Base pay ranges from $22,584 for GS-1 Step 1 to $164,301 for GS-15 Step 10 before applicable locality adjustments. This guide explains GS salaries by grade, step, experience, state and federal agency, along with locality pay, career progression and federal job requirements.
The 2026 U.S. General Schedule (GS) Pay Scale ranges from $22,584 per year for GS-1 Step 1 to $164,301 per year for GS-15 Step 10 before applicable locality adjustments. Federal GS pay depends primarily on the employee's grade, step and official pay locality, while special salary rates may apply to certain positions.
The 2026 annual base salary for a GS-1 employee at Step 1 before applicable locality adjustments.
The 2026 annual base salary for a GS-15 employee at Step 10 before applicable locality adjustments.
The General Schedule contains 15 grades, with each grade generally divided into 10 pay steps.
Each GS grade has 10 steps that provide progressively higher base pay within the same grade.
These figures are based on the official 2026 General Schedule pay table published by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The amounts shown above are base annual rates and do not represent every employee's final salary. Locality pay can increase basic pay based on the employee's official duty location, and certain positions may be covered by special salary rates or other applicable pay provisions.
The table below provides a quick overview of the 2026 U.S. General Schedule (GS) Pay Scale. Federal base pay varies by GS grade and step, while locality pay can increase the basic salary based on the employee's official duty location.
| Salary Metric | 2026 GS Pay |
|---|---|
| Lowest GS Base Pay |
$22,584 per year GS-1 Step 1 base salary |
| Highest GS Base Pay |
$164,301 per year GS-15 Step 10 base salary |
| GS Salary Grades |
GS-1 through GS-15 15 General Schedule grades |
| Pay Steps per Grade |
Step 1 through Step 10 10 pay steps within each GS grade |
| Monthly Salary Equivalent |
Annual GS base pay ÷ 12 Varies by grade and step |
| Biweekly Pay Equivalent |
Annual GS base pay ÷ 26 Before applicable deductions |
| Hourly Pay Equivalent | Based on the applicable annual GS rate and federal hourly conversion |
| Locality-Adjusted Pay |
Higher than base pay in many locations Depends on the applicable locality pay area |
The 2026 salary figures in this guide are based on the official U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) General Schedule pay tables. The $22,584 and $164,301 figures represent the lowest and highest annual base rates within the standard GS-1 through GS-15 schedule before locality adjustments. An employee's actual basic pay may be higher depending on locality, grade, step and applicable special salary provisions.
A GS employee can earn anywhere from about $22,584 to $164,301 per year in 2026 base pay, depending on the employee's GS grade and step. However, actual basic pay can be higher after the applicable locality adjustment is added. A GS-5 employee, for example, earns substantially less than a GS-15 employee, while employees within the same grade can also have different salaries depending on their step.
| GS Grade | 2026 Base Pay Range | Typical Level |
|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | $22,584 – $28,248 | Entry-Level Federal Positions |
| GS-5 | $34,799 – $45,239 | Entry-Level Professional Positions |
| GS-7 | $43,106 – $56,039 | Early-Career Professional Positions |
| GS-9 | $52,727 – $68,549 | Professional Positions |
| GS-11 | $63,795 – $82,938 | Mid-Level Professional Positions |
| GS-12 | $76,463 – $99,404 | Experienced Professional Positions |
| GS-13 | $90,925 – $118,204 | Senior Professional Positions |
| GS-14 | $107,446 – $139,684 | Senior-Level Positions |
| GS-15 | $126,384 – $164,301 | Senior & Advanced Positions |
The ranges above represent the 2026 base General Schedule rates from Step 1 through Step 10 before locality adjustments. Not every federal position uses the same grade structure, and the grade assigned to a job depends on the position's duties, qualification requirements and federal classification rules.
A GS employee's actual pay is determined by the applicable grade, step and locality pay area. Employees at the same GS grade can therefore receive different basic pay depending on where they work. Promotions to a higher grade and within-grade step increases can also raise an employee's salary over time.
The 2026 GS Pay Scale includes 15 General Schedule grades, from GS-1 through GS-15. Each grade has 10 pay steps, with higher grades generally corresponding to positions with greater qualification requirements, responsibility and complexity. The table below shows the official 2026 base-pay range from Step 1 to Step 10 for each GS grade before locality pay.
| GS Grade | Step 1 | Step 10 | Annual Base Pay Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | $22,584 | $28,248 | $22,584 – $28,248 |
| GS-2 | $25,393 | $31,953 | $25,393 – $31,953 |
| GS-3 | $27,708 | $36,024 | $27,708 – $36,024 |
| GS-4 | $31,103 | $40,436 | $31,103 – $40,436 |
| GS-5 | $34,799 | $45,239 | $34,799 – $45,239 |
| GS-6 | $38,791 | $50,428 | $38,791 – $50,428 |
| GS-7 | $43,106 | $56,039 | $43,106 – $56,039 |
| GS-8 | $47,738 | $62,057 | $47,738 – $62,057 |
| GS-9 | $52,727 | $68,549 | $52,727 – $68,549 |
| GS-10 | $58,064 | $75,479 | $58,064 – $75,479 |
| GS-11 | $63,795 | $82,938 | $63,795 – $82,938 |
| GS-12 | $76,463 | $99,404 | $76,463 – $99,404 |
| GS-13 | $90,925 | $118,204 | $90,925 – $118,204 |
| GS-14 | $107,446 | $139,684 | $107,446 – $139,684 |
| GS-15 | $126,384 | $164,301 | $126,384 – $164,301 |
These are the official 2026 General Schedule base rates before locality adjustments. An employee's actual applicable rate may be higher depending on the official locality pay area or a special salary rate. For example, GS-15 ranges from $126,384 at Step 1 to $164,301 at Step 10 under the standard 2026 base table.
Each General Schedule grade contains 10 pay steps, with higher steps providing progressively higher base pay within the same grade. For example, a GS-12 employee can progress from Step 1 at $76,463 to Step 10 at $99,404 in the 2026 standard General Schedule before locality adjustments. The amount paid at each step depends on the employee's GS grade.
| GS Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,799 | $35,959 | $37,119 | $38,279 | $39,439 | $40,599 | $41,759 | $42,919 | $44,079 | $45,239 |
| GS-7 | $43,106 | $44,543 | $45,980 | $47,417 | $48,854 | $50,291 | $51,728 | $53,165 | $54,602 | $56,039 |
| GS-9 | $52,727 | $54,485 | $56,243 | $58,001 | $59,759 | $61,517 | $63,275 | $65,033 | $66,791 | $68,549 |
| GS-11 | $63,795 | $65,922 | $68,049 | $70,176 | $72,303 | $74,430 | $76,557 | $78,684 | $80,811 | $82,938 |
| GS-12 | $76,463 | $79,012 | $81,561 | $84,110 | $86,659 | $89,208 | $91,757 | $94,306 | $96,855 | $99,404 |
| GS-13 | $90,925 | $93,956 | $96,987 | $100,018 | $103,049 | $106,080 | $109,111 | $112,142 | $115,173 | $118,204 |
| GS-14 | $107,446 | $111,028 | $114,610 | $118,192 | $121,774 | $125,356 | $128,938 | $132,520 | $136,102 | $139,684 |
| GS-15 | $126,384 | $130,597 | $134,810 | $139,023 | $143,236 | $147,449 | $151,662 | $155,875 | $160,088 | $164,301 |
The table shows the standard 2026 GS base salary for selected grades across all 10 steps. Locality pay is not included in these figures. An employee at GS-12 Step 5, for example, has a base salary of $86,659 before any applicable locality adjustment.
A GS step represents progression within a particular grade. An employee does not automatically move to a higher GS grade simply by reaching a higher step. For example, moving from GS-9 Step 5 to GS-9 Step 6 is a within-grade step increase, while moving from GS-9 to GS-11 is a promotion to a higher grade.
The 2026 figures shown here are standard General Schedule base rates published by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Locality pay can increase these rates based on the employee's official duty station. Within-grade increases are also subject to applicable federal waiting periods and pay rules.
Experience can affect a federal employee's earning potential as employees develop specialized skills, qualify for more advanced positions and progress through federal career ladders. However, years of experience do not automatically assign an employee to a specific GS grade. The following examples show how base pay can increase as employees progress into higher-level GS positions.
| Career Stage | Example GS Level | Example 2026 Base Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Federal Employee | GS-5 Step 1 | $34,799 |
| Developing Professional | GS-7 Step 5 | $48,854 |
| Experienced Professional | GS-9 Step 5 | $59,759 |
| Mid-Career Professional | GS-11 Step 5 | $72,303 |
| Senior Professional | GS-12 Step 5 | $86,659 |
| Advanced Professional | GS-13 Step 5 | $103,049 |
| Senior-Level Professional | GS-14 Step 5 | $121,774 |
| Highly Experienced / Advanced | GS-15 Step 5 | $143,236 |
An employee who develops more specialized experience may qualify for positions with higher grade requirements. For example, the 2026 standard base salary shown for GS-5 Step 1 is $34,799, while GS-12 Step 5 is $86,659. At the senior end of the General Schedule, GS-15 Step 5 pays $143,236 before locality adjustments.
Experience can also increase earnings without changing the employee's GS grade. Within-grade step increases allow an employee to move from a lower step to a higher step in the same grade. Promotions, career-ladder progression and qualification for higher-level positions can create larger salary increases because the employee moves into a higher GS grade.
The salary figures above are 2026 standard GS base rates shown as examples of different career levels. They are not a fixed experience-to-salary formula. Actual federal pay depends on GS grade, step, locality pay and any applicable special salary rate. An employee with more years of experience may still remain in the same grade if a higher-grade position or promotion is not available or the required qualifications are not met.
GS employees do not receive one fixed salary simply because they work in a particular state. Federal pay is based on the employee's GS grade, step and official duty location. Locality pay is then added to the standard General Schedule rate for employees covered by a designated locality pay area.
| Location / Locality | 2026 Locality Adjustment | GS-12 Step 5 Example |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Baltimore-Arlington | 33.94% | $116,071 |
| San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland | 46.34% | $126,817 |
| New York-Newark | 37.95% | $119,546 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach | 36.47% | $118,264 |
| Houston-The Woodlands | 35.00% | $116,990 |
| Rest of U.S. | 17.06% | $101,443 |
For comparison, the standard 2026 GS-12 Step 5 base salary is $86,659 before locality pay. Once the applicable locality adjustment is included, the employee's basic pay can be substantially higher. This is why a GS employee in one metropolitan area may earn more than another employee with the same grade and step.
Locality pay is determined by the employee's official duty station rather than simply the state name. Some states contain multiple locality pay areas, while other locations fall under the Rest of U.S. locality area. For example, California has several designated locality areas, so two California employees at the same GS grade and step may have different basic pay depending on their duty location.
| Example | 2026 Standard Base Pay | Locality-Adjusted Pay |
|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 5 | $86,659 | Higher depending on locality |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $164,301 | Higher depending on locality |
| GS-15 Step 10 — Rest of U.S. | $164,301 | $192,331 |
Locality percentages and salary rates can vary by official OPM pay area. The examples above illustrate how locality pay can change federal earnings; they should not be treated as one salary rate for an entire state. For an exact salary calculation, use the employee's GS grade, step and official duty station with the applicable 2026 OPM locality table.
GS employees work across many federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Services. However, a federal agency does not normally have its own separate GS salary scale. Pay is primarily determined by the employee's GS grade, step and locality pay area.
| Federal Agency | Common GS Positions | Example 2026 GS Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense (DoD) | Engineering, administration, logistics, analysis and technical positions | GS-12 Step 5: $86,659 base |
| Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) | Healthcare administration, management, professional and support positions | GS-11 Step 5: $72,303 base |
| Department of Homeland Security (DHS) | Security, administration, technical and professional positions | GS-12 Step 5: $86,659 base |
| Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) | Public health, science, administration and professional positions | GS-13 Step 5: $103,049 base |
| Department of the Interior | Environmental, natural resources, administration and professional positions | GS-9 Step 5: $59,759 base |
| Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Agriculture, science, administration and technical positions | GS-7 Step 5: $48,854 base |
The agency itself does not automatically determine how much a GS employee earns. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 employee has a 2026 standard base salary of $86,659 regardless of whether the position is located at one participating federal agency or another. The employee's actual basic pay can change when locality pay or an applicable special salary rate is added.
What can differ between agencies is the type of work, available GS grades, career ladders, promotion opportunities, duty locations and whether certain occupations are covered by special salary rates. This means one agency may offer more opportunities for higher-grade positions in a particular career field even though the underlying GS pay table is the same.
| GS Position | 2026 Standard Base Salary | Potential Locality Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| GS-7 Step 5 | $48,854 | Depends on duty location |
| GS-9 Step 5 | $59,759 | Depends on duty location |
| GS-11 Step 5 | $72,303 | Depends on duty location |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $86,659 | Depends on duty location |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $103,049 | Depends on duty location |
The salary examples above use the standard 2026 General Schedule base rates before locality adjustments. Certain federal positions may qualify for special salary rates or other pay provisions. For an exact salary, employees should check the applicable OPM salary table for their GS grade, step, occupation and official duty location.
Getting a GS federal job generally involves finding an eligible vacancy, reviewing the qualification requirements, submitting an application through USAJOBS and the hiring agency's application process, and completing the required evaluation and selection steps. The General Schedule covers grades from GS-1 through GS-15, although not every federal position uses the General Schedule.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Search Federal Jobs | Search current federal vacancies on USAJOBS and identify positions that match your education, experience, eligibility and career goals. |
| 2. Check the GS Grade | Review the grade listed in the vacancy announcement, such as GS-1, GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-12 or GS-15, along with the position's occupational series. |
| 3. Review Qualifications | Check the education, specialized experience, eligibility, citizenship or other hiring-path requirements, and any additional conditions listed in the specific vacancy announcement. |
| 4. Prepare Your Application | Prepare a federal resume and provide the documents, questionnaire responses and other information requested in the job announcement. |
| 5. Apply Before the Deadline | Submit the application through USAJOBS and any required agency application system before the closing date and time. |
| 6. Complete Evaluation | The agency reviews applications for eligibility and qualifications. Depending on the position, applicants may also complete assessments, questionnaires, interviews, background investigations or security checks. |
| 7. Receive a Job Offer | The selected candidate may first receive a tentative job offer. After the required background investigation and other applicable pre-employment requirements are completed, the agency may issue a final offer and establish a start date. |
The exact hiring process varies by position, agency and hiring authority. Always follow the requirements, eligibility rules and application instructions included in the individual federal vacancy announcement.
GS grade qualifications determine whether an applicant meets the minimum education and experience requirements for a federal position. The exact requirements depend on the occupational series, position and grade. For many General Schedule positions, applicants may qualify through education, specialized experience, or an appropriate combination of both when permitted by the applicable qualification standard.
| GS Grade | Common Education Path | Experience Path |
|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | Generally no specific education requirement under the basic General Schedule qualification standard. | Generally no experience requirement under the basic standard. |
| GS-2 | High school graduation or equivalent may qualify for positions covered by the applicable standard. | The basic standard generally recognizes 3 months of general experience for GS-2 positions. |
| GS-3 | Typically 1 academic year of post-high-school education for applicable positions. | Qualifying general experience may also be accepted depending on the occupational standard. |
| GS-4 | Typically 2 academic years of post-high-school education or an applicable equivalent qualification. | Qualifying experience may be accepted under the applicable occupational standard. |
| GS-5 | For many applicable professional and administrative positions, a bachelor's degree or 4 academic years of education above high school may qualify. | Qualifying experience may substitute for education when the applicable occupational standard permits it. |
| GS-7 | For applicable positions, qualification may be based on a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement or 1 full year of graduate-level education. | Typically 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5 for positions following the applicable two-grade-interval standard. |
| GS-9 | For applicable positions, qualification may be based on a master's degree or 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree. | Typically 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-7. |
| GS-11 | For applicable positions, qualification may be based on a doctoral degree or 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree. | Typically 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9. |
| GS-12 and Above | Education alone generally does not qualify at these grades, except for specific research positions and occupational standards that permit qualifying graduate education. | Typically requires 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level under the applicable qualification standard. |
Federal qualification standards may allow an appropriate combination of education and experience when the applicable occupational standard permits it. This means an applicant does not always need to satisfy the entire qualification requirement through education alone or experience alone.
For example, certain positions may allow qualifying education to be combined with qualifying experience to meet the minimum requirement for a particular GS grade. The exact calculation depends on the occupational series and the qualification standard used for the position.
Specialized experience is work experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. For many positions above entry level, OPM qualification standards require specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
For example, a qualifying GS-9 position may require specialized experience equivalent to GS-7, while a GS-12 position may require specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-11. These are qualification examples under applicable standards, not a universal rule for every federal occupation.
The education and experience examples above are based on OPM General Schedule qualification standards. Individual occupational series can have additional or different requirements, so applicants should always check the specific vacancy announcement and applicable OPM occupational standard before applying.
Federal jobs in the USA can have different requirements depending on the agency, occupational series, GS grade and individual position. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the vacancy announcement, which may include education, specialized experience, training, licensing, security requirements and other job-specific conditions. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) establishes Government-wide qualification standards for many General Schedule positions, while agencies provide the specific requirements for individual vacancies.
| Federal Job Requirement | What Applicants May Need | Common GS Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Education | A high school diploma, bachelor's degree, graduate degree or specific coursework may be required depending on the occupation. | Some professional, administrative and technical positions may use education to qualify at grades such as GS-5, GS-7 or GS-9. |
| Specialized Experience | Previous work that provided the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the position. | Higher-grade positions commonly require specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade under the applicable qualification standard. |
| Occupational Requirements | Certain careers may require specific degrees, coursework, technical knowledge or professional credentials. | Requirements vary significantly between occupational series. |
| U.S. Citizenship or Eligibility | Many federal positions are restricted to U.S. citizens or nationals, while certain hiring authorities and positions may have different eligibility rules. | Always check the eligibility and hiring-path section of the individual vacancy announcement. |
| Security Clearance | Some positions require a background investigation or eligibility for a security clearance because of the duties involved. | Requirements depend on the position and agency rather than the GS grade alone. |
| Professional License | Licensed occupations may require an active state or professional license, registration or certification. | Common in regulated professional and technical occupations. |
| Background Investigation | Applicants may need to complete suitability, fitness or other background investigation procedures. | Requirements vary according to the position, agency and applicable hiring requirements. |
| Federal Resume & Documents | Applicants may need a detailed resume, transcripts, certifications, eligibility documents or other supporting information. | The vacancy announcement specifies which documents are required. |
Education and experience requirements depend on the occupational series. For many two-grade-interval administrative and professional positions, a four-year bachelor's degree can provide a pathway to GS-5, while certain positions may allow qualifying graduate education or specialized experience for higher grades such as GS-7 or GS-9. Higher-grade positions often require specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
For example, OPM's General Schedule standards for many two-grade-interval administrative and management positions list GS-5 with a four-year bachelor's degree, GS-7 with one full year of graduate education or Superior Academic Achievement, and GS-9 with a master's degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or qualifying specialized experience. These are examples under applicable qualification standards, not universal requirements for every federal occupation.
Before applying, candidates should review the complete federal vacancy announcement and confirm the GS grade, occupational series, qualification requirements, eligibility rules, required documents and closing date. OPM explains that qualification standards describe minimum requirements such as education, experience, medical or physical standards, training, security and licensure, while the individual vacancy announcement provides the position-specific requirements.
| Before Applying | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| GS Grade | Confirm the GS grade listed in the announcement and review the duties and occupational series associated with the position. |
| Qualification Standard | Check the applicable occupational series and minimum education or experience requirements. |
| Specialized Experience | Make sure your previous work demonstrates the experience and competencies described in the vacancy announcement. |
| Eligibility | Confirm citizenship, hiring authority, veterans' preference or other eligibility conditions that apply to the vacancy. |
| Required Documents | Prepare the resume, transcripts, certifications and other documents requested by the agency. |
| Application Deadline | Submit the complete application and required documents before the vacancy closing date and time. |
There is no single set of requirements that applies to every GS job in the USA. OPM provides Government-wide qualification standards, but individual occupational series and federal vacancy announcements can have additional requirements. Always use the specific job announcement and applicable occupational qualification standard to determine whether you qualify.
A federal career in the USA can provide a structured path for professional growth, increasing responsibility and higher earning potential. Many civilian federal positions use the General Schedule (GS) system, which contains 15 grades from GS-1 through GS-15, with 10 pay steps within each grade. The grade reflects the level of work, responsibility and qualifications required for the position.
| Career Stage | Typical GS Direction | Primary Career Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Federal Career | GS-1 to GS-7 | Build foundational knowledge, complete training and gain federal or occupation-specific experience. |
| Professional Development | GS-7 to GS-9 | Develop specialized skills and take on more independent responsibilities. |
| Mid-Career | GS-9 to GS-12 | Handle complex assignments, projects and specialized professional work. |
| Senior Professional | GS-12 to GS-14 | Take on advanced technical, analytical, program or management responsibilities. |
| Senior-Level Career | GS-14 to GS-15 | Lead major programs, teams or highly complex professional and managerial responsibilities. |
Federal career progression can occur through several paths. An employee may move to a higher-grade position through promotion, compete for another position with greater responsibility or progress through a career ladder when the position provides a structured advancement path.
Employees can also receive within-grade step increases while remaining in the same GS grade. OPM states that each GS grade contains 10 steps, and step increases are subject to acceptable performance and required waiting periods. The standard waiting periods are generally 1 year for Steps 1–3, 2 years for Steps 4–6 and 3 years for Steps 7–9.
Moving to a higher GS grade can create a larger salary increase than simply moving between steps because each grade has its own salary range. For example, the 2026 standard General Schedule reaches $164,301 at GS-15 Step 10 before locality adjustments. Locality pay can increase basic pay depending on the employee's official duty location.
| Career Strategy | How It Can Help |
|---|---|
| Build Specialized Skills | Develop expertise that matches higher-level federal positions and occupational requirements. |
| Meet Higher-Grade Qualifications | Gain the education or specialized experience required for more advanced positions. |
| Use Career Ladder Opportunities | Apply for positions that provide a defined path toward higher GS grades when eligible. |
| Apply for Higher-Level Positions | Compete for positions with greater responsibility instead of relying only on within-grade step increases. |
| Develop Leadership Skills | Prepare for supervisory, program-management and other senior federal roles. |
| Consider Locality and Special Rates | Understand how duty location and applicable special salary rates can affect actual federal compensation. |
There is no single timeline for reaching a particular GS grade. Career progression depends on the employee's occupation, qualifications, performance, position availability and agency structure. Within the same grade, however, the normal progression from Step 1 to Step 10 can take approximately 18 years when an employee remains in the grade and follows the standard waiting periods.
Employees do not have to remain in one GS grade for their entire career. Promotions and movement into higher-level positions can provide a faster path to greater responsibility and higher base pay when the employee meets the qualification requirements.
The GS system provides a structured pay and classification framework, but career advancement is not automatic. Promotion opportunities depend on qualifications, performance, position availability, agency needs and the requirements of individual federal vacancies. The GS ranges shown above are illustrative career directions, not a required sequence that every federal employee follows. Always review the specific position announcement and applicable OPM guidance when planning a federal career.
The U.S. General Schedule is divided into 15 grades, from GS-1 through GS-15. Each grade represents a different level of work, responsibility, difficulty and qualification requirements. As employees move into higher-grade positions, their potential base salary also increases.
| GS Grade | General Career Level | Typical Work Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| GS-1 to GS-4 | Entry Level | Basic, trainee and support-level federal work, depending on the occupational series and position. |
| GS-5 | Entry-Level Professional | Professional, administrative and technical work requiring foundational qualifications for applicable positions. |
| GS-6 to GS-7 | Developing Professional | Positions involving increasing technical knowledge, specialized experience and independent work. |
| GS-8 to GS-9 | Professional | More specialized duties and greater independent responsibility in applicable occupational series. |
| GS-10 to GS-12 | Experienced Professional | Complex professional, analytical, technical or administrative responsibilities. |
| GS-13 to GS-14 | Senior Professional | Advanced technical, program, analytical or management responsibilities. |
| GS-15 | Senior-Level | Highly complex professional, technical, supervisory or managerial work. |
For example, the 2026 standard General Schedule ranges from $22,584 at GS-1 Step 1 to $164,301 at GS-15 Step 10, before applicable locality pay. These figures illustrate the broad base-pay range across the GS system.
The career-level descriptions above are general illustrations rather than official OPM career titles. Actual duties, responsibilities and qualification requirements vary by occupational series, position and agency. The specific vacancy announcement determines the requirements for an individual GS job.
Each GS grade contains 10 pay steps. Steps provide progressive increases in pay while an employee remains within the same grade. An employee can therefore earn more over time without necessarily moving to a higher GS grade.
| GS Step | How It Works | Typical Progression |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Starting step within a GS grade. | Initial rate |
| Step 2 | First within-grade increase, subject to applicable requirements. | Higher than Step 1 |
| Step 3 | Continued within-grade progression, subject to applicable requirements. | Higher than Step 2 |
| Step 4 | Next stage of within-grade progression. | Higher than Step 3 |
| Step 5 | Middle portion of the 10-step range. | Higher than Step 4 |
| Step 6 | Continued salary progression within the grade. | Higher than Step 5 |
| Step 7 | Advanced within-grade step. | Higher than Step 6 |
| Step 8 | Later-stage within-grade progression. | Higher than Step 7 |
| Step 9 | Second-highest standard step within the grade. | Higher than Step 8 |
| Step 10 | Highest standard step within the GS grade. | Highest rate in that grade |
Under the standard waiting-period rules, progression from Step 1 through Step 10 can take approximately 18 years if an employee remains in the same grade and receives the applicable within-grade increases. The normal waiting periods are generally 1 year for Steps 1–3, 2 years for Steps 4–6 and 3 years for Steps 7–9. Within-grade increases are also subject to applicable performance and eligibility requirements.
Moving through GS steps is different from receiving a promotion to a higher GS grade. A within-grade increase raises pay while the employee remains in the same grade, whereas a promotion moves the employee to a higher grade with a different salary range.
GS base pay is the standard salary assigned to a particular General Schedule grade and step before geographic locality pay is added. The base table applies across the General Schedule, while the employee's actual basic pay may be higher after the applicable locality adjustment.
| Base Pay Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| GS Grade | Determines the general level of the position and its corresponding salary range. |
| GS Step | Determines the employee's position within the salary range of that grade. |
| Annual Base Salary | The standard annual GS rate before locality adjustments. |
| Locality Pay | Geographic adjustment added to the applicable GS rate for covered locations. |
| Special Salary Rate | A higher rate that may apply to eligible occupations or groups when OPM establishes special rates. |
The 2026 standard General Schedule incorporates a 1% General Schedule increase. OPM publishes annual base rates by grade and step before applicable locality adjustments are applied.
Base pay is not necessarily the employee's final basic pay. Locality pay and, where applicable, special salary rates can increase the amount paid above the standard GS base rate.
Locality pay is a geographic adjustment added to GS base pay to account for differences in pay levels between federal and non-federal workers in different geographic areas. The applicable rate depends on the employee's official duty station, not simply the state where the employee lives.
| Locality Example | 2026 Locality Rate | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Baltimore-Arlington | 33.94% | Locality pay is added to the applicable GS base rate. |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach | 36.47% | Applicable GS rates are increased by the locality adjustment. |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | 27.26% | Applicable GS rates receive the Dallas-Fort Worth locality adjustment. |
| Rest of U.S. | 17.06% | Applies to locations included in the Rest of U.S. locality area. |
For example, the 2026 Rest of U.S. locality rate is 17.06%, while Washington-Baltimore-Arlington has a 33.94% locality rate and Dallas-Fort Worth has a 27.26% rate.
OPM publishes locality pay tables for designated locality pay areas across the United States. Employees working in foreign areas generally follow separate overseas pay rules rather than the domestic locality pay tables.
The same GS grade and step can produce different basic pay amounts in different locality areas. For an exact salary, the employee's GS grade, step and official duty station must be matched to the appropriate OPM locality table.
A GS promotion moves a federal employee into a position at a higher grade with greater responsibility, difficulty or qualification requirements. Promotion is different from a within-grade step increase because a promotion changes the employee's GS grade, while a step increase moves the employee to a higher step within the same grade.
| Career Movement | What Changes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Within-Grade Increase | Employee remains in the same GS grade but moves to a higher pay step. | GS-9 Step 3 → GS-9 Step 4 |
| Promotion | Employee moves to a higher GS grade with increased responsibility. | GS-9 → GS-11 |
| Career-Ladder Promotion | Eligible employees may progress through predetermined higher grades when the position is established with a career-ladder advancement path. | For example, GS-7 → GS-9 → GS-11 when the position provides those promotion levels. |
| Competitive Advancement | Employee applies and competes for another higher-level federal position. | GS-11 → GS-12 or GS-13 |
A promotion is generally based on the employee meeting the qualification requirements for the higher-grade position and the availability of an appropriate position or promotion opportunity. Some positions are designed as career ladders, while others require employees to compete for higher-level vacancies.
Moving from one GS grade to another does not simply depend on how long an employee has worked for the federal government. The employee must meet the qualification requirements and any other conditions associated with the higher-grade position.
Federal promotions are not automatic simply because an employee has reached a certain number of years of service. Qualification requirements, position availability, performance, career-ladder provisions and agency rules can all affect advancement.
A within-grade increase, commonly called a WGI, increases an employee's pay while keeping the employee in the same GS grade. Each General Schedule grade has 10 steps, and eligible employees can progress through those steps after meeting the required waiting period and performance conditions.
| Step Range | Typical Waiting Period | Progression |
|---|---|---|
| Steps 1 → 2 → 3 | Generally 1 year between increases | Early within-grade progression |
| Steps 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 | Generally 2 years between increases | Middle within-grade progression |
| Steps 6 → 7 → 8 → 9 → 10 | Generally 3 years between increases | Later within-grade progression |
Under the standard waiting periods, progressing from Step 1 to Step 10 within the same GS grade can take approximately 18 years when the employee satisfies the applicable requirements. OPM generally specifies 1-year waiting periods for Steps 1–3, 2-year waiting periods for Steps 4–6 and 3-year waiting periods for Steps 7–9.
| Feature | Within-Grade Increase | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| GS Grade | Remains the same | Moves to a higher grade |
| Pay Step | Moves to a higher step | New grade and applicable step are established |
| Qualification | Must meet applicable WGI requirements | Must meet the higher-position requirements |
| Career Responsibility | Generally remains within the same position level | Usually involves greater responsibility or a higher-level position |
A within-grade increase does not change an employee's GS grade. A promotion moves the employee to a higher GS grade and is subject to the qualification and promotion requirements applicable to the new position.
A federal career ladder is a structured progression path that can allow an employee to advance through predetermined GS grades as qualifications, performance and other requirements are met. Career ladders are especially useful for employees entering federal service at a grade below the full performance level.
| Career Ladder | Possible Progression Example | Career Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Professional | GS-5 → GS-7 → GS-9 | Entry-level to independent professional work |
| Administrative / Professional | GS-7 → GS-9 → GS-11 → GS-12 | Developing to experienced professional |
| Advanced Professional | GS-9 → GS-11 → GS-12 → GS-13 | Professional to advanced responsibility |
| Senior Career Path | GS-11 → GS-12 → GS-13 → GS-14 | Experienced to senior professional |
A career-ladder position can identify a target grade progression in the vacancy announcement. Advancement to the next grade is generally subject to meeting the applicable qualification requirements, demonstrating acceptable performance and satisfying agency or position-specific conditions.
For example, a vacancy may identify a position with promotion potential from a lower entry grade to a higher full-performance grade. The exact grades and promotion potential depend on the position and agency.
Not every federal job is a career-ladder position. Employees who are not in a career ladder can pursue advancement by applying for other federal positions or competing for higher-level opportunities when eligible.
A career ladder does not guarantee automatic promotion on a fixed date. Eligibility, performance, position requirements and agency procedures still apply. The actual promotion potential is determined by the individual vacancy announcement.
Long-term federal career growth can come from a combination of within-grade increases, promotions, career-ladder advancement, specialized experience and movement into positions with greater responsibility. Employees can remain within one occupational series or move into related federal career paths as their qualifications develop.
| Career Growth Strategy | Potential Benefit |
|---|---|
| Build Specialized Experience | Develop experience that qualifies you for more advanced federal positions. |
| Complete Relevant Education | Meet education requirements for occupations where higher-level education is an accepted qualification pathway. |
| Progress Through a Career Ladder | Advance through predefined grades when the position and employee meet the required conditions. |
| Apply for Higher GS Positions | Compete for positions with greater responsibility and higher grade levels. |
| Develop Leadership Skills | Prepare for supervisory, program-management and senior professional roles. |
| Use Within-Grade Increases | Increase pay while remaining in the same GS grade when WGI requirements are met. |
Federal employees can increase their compensation through both step progression within a grade and movement into higher GS grades. Locality pay can also affect the final basic pay depending on the employee's official duty station.
For example, an employee could begin at a lower GS grade, gain specialized experience, progress through a career ladder and eventually compete for higher-grade positions. Over a long career, this combination of grade progression and within-grade increases can create substantially greater earning potential than remaining at the same grade throughout an entire career.
The most useful long-term strategies include developing occupation-specific expertise, maintaining strong performance, meeting higher-grade qualification standards, gaining leadership experience and monitoring federal vacancies that match the employee's qualifications.
Federal career progression varies by occupation and agency. There is no universal timeline for reaching GS-12, GS-13, GS-14 or GS-15. Advancement depends on qualifications, performance, position availability and the requirements of individual federal positions.
SalaryPayslip uses official federal compensation data and publicly available U.S. government resources to explain the U.S. General Schedule pay scale. Because federal compensation depends on grade, step, locality and applicable pay rules, this guide separates standard GS base pay from locality-adjusted compensation and special salary rates.
| Research Area | Primary Source / Method |
|---|---|
| GS Base Salary | Official annual General Schedule salary tables published by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). |
| GS Grades and Steps | OPM guidance describing the 15 GS grades and 10 steps within each grade. |
| Locality Pay | Current OPM locality pay tables and official locality-area definitions for designated geographic areas. |
| Special Salary Rates | Applicable OPM special-rate tables and federal compensation guidance. |
| Career Progression | OPM rules and federal position qualification guidance covering promotions, within-grade increases and career advancement. |
| Salary Calculations | Annual rates are used as the primary measure. Monthly, weekly and hourly equivalents are calculated only when appropriate and are presented as mathematical estimates. |
The standard GS salary starts with the applicable grade and step. Where locality pay applies, the appropriate locality-adjusted rate is used to determine basic pay. Special salary rates may apply to certain occupations or employee groups and are evaluated separately.
Monthly, weekly and hourly figures shown in this guide are mathematical equivalents of annual salary figures unless otherwise stated. They should not be interpreted as guaranteed take-home pay because federal deductions, retirement contributions, taxes, insurance and other payroll adjustments can change an employee's actual net income.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) administers the General Schedule classification and pay system on a Government-wide basis and publishes the official salary, locality and qualification information used in this guide. Individual federal agencies apply these Government-wide rules to their positions and vacancy announcements.
Federal pay tables can change annually. SalaryPayslip recommends checking the latest OPM salary table, locality information and applicable federal guidance when making employment, salary or career decisions.
The following official U.S. government resources can help federal employees, job seekers and researchers verify current GS Pay Scale in USA information, including General Schedule salary tables, locality pay, special salary rates, federal job requirements and government employment opportunities.
The GS Pay Scale is the federal General Schedule compensation system used for many civilian government employees in the United States. It contains 15 grades from GS-1 through GS-15, with 10 pay steps within each grade. Actual basic pay can vary by grade, step, locality area and applicable special salary rates.
A GS employee's salary depends on the employee's GS grade, step and locality area. The standard 2026 General Schedule ranges from $22,584 for GS-1 Step 1 to $164,301 for GS-15 Step 10 before locality adjustments. Locality pay and applicable special salary rates can increase the basic pay rate.
The highest standard General Schedule grade is GS-15. Within GS-15, employees can progress through 10 pay steps, with Step 10 representing the highest rate in the standard GS base table before applicable locality adjustments or special salary rates.
A GS grade represents the level and complexity of a federal position, while a GS step represents an employee's pay position within that grade. Every GS grade contains 10 steps.
Under standard within-grade increase rules, the waiting period is generally 1 year for Steps 1–3, 2 years for Steps 4–6 and 3 years for Steps 7–9. Applicable performance and other eligibility requirements also apply.
Locality pay is a geographic adjustment added to applicable GS pay rates to account for differences in local labor markets. The rate depends on the employee's official duty station and designated locality area.
California does not have one single statewide GS Pay Scale. Federal employees are assigned to applicable locality areas based on their official duty station. Major California federal employment areas can therefore have different locality-adjusted GS salaries.
Yes. Eligible GS employees in designated Texas locality areas receive the applicable locality adjustment. The exact rate depends on the employee's official duty station and locality area.
Yes. Employees can advance to higher GS grades through career-ladder promotions, competitive applications and other authorized federal advancement opportunities when they meet the applicable qualification and position requirements.
There is no universal timeline for reaching GS-15. Advancement depends on the employee's occupation, qualifications, performance, career ladder, position availability and opportunities to compete for higher-level federal positions.
A special salary rate is an alternative federal pay rate established for certain occupations, locations or employee groups when recruitment or retention conditions support compensation above the standard applicable GS rate.
No. GS salary represents federal pay before employee deductions. Federal employees may have taxes, retirement contributions, health insurance premiums and other payroll deductions, so take-home pay can be lower than the published GS salary.
The General Schedule provides a structured compensation framework for many civilian federal employees in the United States. Understanding how GS grades, pay steps, base salary, locality adjustments and special salary rates work can help federal employees and job seekers better evaluate potential compensation and career opportunities.
Federal career earnings are not determined by grade alone. Official duty location, progression through pay steps, promotions, career-ladder opportunities, occupation, position and applicable federal pay rules can all affect long-term compensation. Employees who develop relevant experience, meet qualification requirements and pursue higher-level opportunities may increase their earning potential throughout their federal careers.
The GS Pay Scale offers a structured framework for federal compensation, but individual earnings depend on the specific position, grade, step, locality and applicable pay regulations. Always review the current official OPM salary table and federal job announcement when evaluating a specific career opportunity.
The GS Pay Scale information published on SalaryPayslip is provided for general educational and informational purposes. Federal compensation can vary according to GS grade, step, official duty station, locality pay, special salary rates, position-specific conditions and changes to federal compensation rules.
Salary figures presented in this guide should not be considered guaranteed earnings, employment offers or official compensation determinations. Readers should verify current pay rates and position-specific requirements through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), USAJOBS and the applicable federal agency before making employment, career or financial decisions.
Federal salary tables, locality rates and other compensation information may be updated periodically. SalaryPayslip reviews its salary guides using official and publicly available federal compensation information, but official government sources should always be used to confirm the latest applicable rate.
GS salaries and federal compensation rules can change because of annual pay adjustments, locality changes, legislative decisions, agency requirements and updates issued by the federal government. The current OPM pay tables and official federal employment announcements should be treated as the final authority for exact salary and job information.