The U.S. General Schedule uses 15 grades and 10 pay steps within each grade to determine federal employee compensation. This guide provides a detailed look at GS salary by grade and step in the USA, including GS-1 through GS-15, Step 1 through Step 10, salary progression and the difference between base pay and locality-adjusted pay.
Federal GS salaries are determined primarily by the employee's General Schedule grade and pay step. The standard system contains 15 grades, from GS-1 through GS-15, and each grade contains 10 steps. The exact salary can also change when locality pay or an applicable special salary rate is included.
2026 GS-1 Step 1 basic annual salary before locality adjustments.
2026 GS-15 Step 10 basic annual salary before locality adjustments.
The General Schedule contains 15 standard federal pay grades.
Each standard GS grade contains Step 1 through Step 10.
The figures above represent standard 2026 General Schedule base rates. Actual federal basic pay can be higher after applying the locality rate for the employee's official duty station. Certain occupations may also qualify for special salary rates.
GS employees are normally paid according to an annual salary rate. Monthly, weekly and hourly equivalents can be calculated from the annual amount, but the actual federal payroll amount depends on the employee's pay schedule, deductions and applicable compensation rules.
| Salary Measure | How GS Pay Is Represented |
|---|---|
| Annual GS Salary | The official annual salary rate assigned to the employee's grade, step and applicable locality. |
| Monthly Salary Equivalent | Annual salary divided by 12 for an estimated monthly equivalent. |
| Weekly Salary Equivalent | Annual salary divided by 52 for an estimated weekly equivalent. |
| Hourly Salary Equivalent | An estimated hourly equivalent based on the applicable annual salary and standard federal work-year assumptions. |
| Take-Home Pay | The amount remaining after federal taxes, retirement contributions, insurance and other applicable payroll deductions. |
The General Schedule divides many federal positions into 15 pay grades, from GS-1 through GS-15. Each grade contains 10 steps, with higher grades generally representing positions with greater qualification requirements, responsibility and complexity.
The table below shows the 2026 GS base salary range for each grade from Step 1 through Step 10. These figures represent standard General Schedule base pay before locality adjustments.
| GS Grade | Step 1 | Step 5 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | $22,584 | $25,589 | $28,248 |
| GS-2 | $25,393 | $27,858 | $31,953 |
| GS-3 | $27,708 | $31,404 | $36,024 |
| GS-4 | $31,103 | $35,251 | $40,436 |
| GS-5 | $34,799 | $39,439 | $45,239 |
| GS-6 | $38,791 | $43,963 | $50,428 |
| GS-7 | $43,106 | $48,854 | $56,039 |
| GS-8 | $47,738 | $54,102 | $62,057 |
| GS-9 | $52,727 | $59,759 | $68,549 |
| GS-10 | $58,064 | $65,804 | $75,479 |
| GS-11 | $63,795 | $72,303 | $82,938 |
| GS-12 | $76,463 | $86,659 | $99,404 |
| GS-13 | $90,925 | $103,049 | $118,204 |
| GS-14 | $107,446 | $121,774 | $139,684 |
| GS-15 | $126,384 | $143,236 | $164,301 |
The salary figures shown above are standard 2026 General Schedule base rates published by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Federal employees may receive higher basic pay after the applicable locality adjustment is added. The exact rate should be verified against the current OPM salary table for the employee's official duty station.
GS grades can represent very different levels of federal employment, from entry-level positions to highly experienced professional and administrative roles. Comparing the beginning and maximum standard rates helps illustrate how compensation can increase as employees move into higher grades.
| GS Grade | Step 1 Annual Salary | Step 10 Annual Salary | Potential Base-Pay Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | $22,584 | $28,248 | $5,664 |
| GS-5 | $34,799 | $45,239 | $10,440 |
| GS-7 | $43,106 | $56,039 | $12,933 |
| GS-9 | $52,727 | $68,549 | $15,822 |
| GS-11 | $63,795 | $82,938 | $19,143 |
| GS-12 | $76,463 | $99,404 | $22,941 |
| GS-13 | $90,925 | $118,204 | $27,279 |
| GS-14 | $107,446 | $139,684 | $32,238 |
| GS-15 | $126,384 | $164,301 | $37,917 |
The difference between Step 1 and Step 10 varies by grade. Higher GS grades generally have higher absolute salary amounts, while the exact increase depends on the official OPM rate for that grade.
The highest standard grade in the General Schedule is GS-15. GS-15 contains 10 pay steps, allowing eligible employees to progress from Step 1 through Step 10 while remaining within the same grade.
| GS-15 Pay Level | 2026 Base Salary |
|---|---|
| GS-15 Step 1 | $126,384 |
| GS-15 Step 5 | $143,236 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $164,301 |
GS-15 is the highest grade within the standard General Schedule system, but it is not the highest level of federal compensation across every federal pay system. Senior federal positions may be covered by other pay systems or executive compensation structures.
The GS-15 figures shown here are standard 2026 base rates before locality adjustments. The actual basic salary for a GS-15 employee depends on the applicable locality and official duty station.
Every standard General Schedule grade contains 10 pay steps. A GS step represents an employee's position within a particular grade and generally increases an employee's basic pay without requiring a move to a different GS grade.
For example, an employee who remains at GS-12 can progress from GS-12 Step 1 toward GS-12 Step 10 as the applicable within-grade requirements are met.
| GS Step | How the Step Works | Salary Progression |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Starting rate within a GS grade for most employees. | Entry point for the grade |
| Step 2 | First within-grade progression after meeting applicable requirements. | Higher than Step 1 |
| Step 3 | Continued progression within the same GS grade. | Higher than Step 2 |
| Step 4 | Beginning of the next standard waiting-period group. | Higher than Step 3 |
| Step 5 | Mid-range step within the GS grade. | Higher than Step 4 |
| Step 6 | Continued within-grade salary progression. | Higher than Step 5 |
| Step 7 | Progression into the final standard waiting-period group. | Higher than Step 6 |
| Step 8 | Advanced step within the same GS grade. | Higher than Step 7 |
| Step 9 | Near the maximum standard step for the grade. | Higher than Step 8 |
| Step 10 | Highest standard step within the GS grade. | Maximum standard rate for the grade |
Moving from one GS step to another does not change the employee's GS grade. Instead, it increases the pay rate within the existing grade when the employee meets the applicable federal requirements for a within-grade increase.
The difference between GS steps becomes more meaningful when viewed across an entire grade. An employee can receive higher basic pay through within-grade increases while continuing to perform work at the same grade and position level.
| Example GS Grade | Step 1 | Step 5 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,799 | $39,439 | $45,239 |
| GS-7 | $43,106 | $48,854 | $56,039 |
| GS-9 | $52,727 | $59,759 | $68,549 |
| GS-11 | $63,795 | $72,303 | $82,938 |
| GS-12 | $76,463 | $86,659 | $99,404 |
| GS-13 | $90,925 | $103,049 | $118,204 |
| GS-14 | $107,446 | $121,774 | $139,684 |
| GS-15 | $126,384 | $143,236 | $164,301 |
For example, the standard 2026 base rate for GS-12 increases from $76,463 at Step 1 to $99,404 at Step 10 before locality pay. This illustrates how an employee's basic salary can increase through step progression without necessarily receiving a promotion to a higher grade.
The salary figures in this table are the official 2026 General Schedule base rates published by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). They do not include locality pay or other applicable special salary adjustments.
Under the standard federal within-grade increase system, employees generally progress through the first three steps more quickly than the later steps. The waiting period becomes longer as an employee moves toward Step 10.
| Step Range | Typical Waiting Period | Progression |
|---|---|---|
| Steps 1–3 | 1 year | Annual within-grade progression when applicable requirements are met |
| Steps 4–6 | 2 years | Longer waiting period between eligible step increases |
| Steps 7–9 | 3 years | Longest standard waiting period before the next step |
| Step 10 | Maximum standard step | No regular step beyond Step 10 within the same grade |
Within-grade increases are subject to applicable federal rules, including acceptable performance and required waiting periods. A step increase is different from a promotion because the employee remains within the same GS grade.
The waiting periods shown represent the standard framework for within-grade increases. Specific circumstances, service credit, performance requirements or other federal rules can affect an individual employee's eligibility.
GS base pay is the standard federal salary assigned to an employee based on their General Schedule grade and step. It provides the standard rate before applicable locality pay or other authorized special salary rates are considered.
| GS Base Pay Example | 2026 Annual Base Salary | Approx. Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| GS-5 Step 1 | $34,799 | ≈ $2,900 |
| GS-7 Step 1 | $43,106 | ≈ $3,592 |
| GS-9 Step 1 | $52,727 | ≈ $4,394 |
| GS-11 Step 1 | $63,795 | ≈ $5,316 |
| GS-12 Step 1 | $76,463 | ≈ $6,372 |
| GS-13 Step 1 | $90,925 | ≈ $7,577 |
| GS-14 Step 1 | $107,446 | ≈ $8,954 |
| GS-15 Step 1 | $126,384 | ≈ $10,532 |
These monthly figures are simple annual-salary equivalents and are not necessarily the same as an employee's actual monthly take-home pay. Federal payroll deductions, taxes, benefits and the employee's pay schedule affect the amount actually received.
The annual salary figures shown above are official 2026 General Schedule base rates published by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Locality pay is not included in these amounts.
Locality pay is an additional geographic adjustment applied to eligible General Schedule salaries. It is designed to account for differences in local labor-market conditions and is based primarily on the employee's official duty station.
This means two federal employees with the same GS grade and step can have different basic salaries when they work in different locality areas.
| Pay Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| GS Base Pay | Standard salary determined by the employee's GS grade and step. |
| Locality Adjustment | Geographic adjustment based on the applicable locality area. |
| Locality-Adjusted Basic Pay | The resulting basic pay after the applicable locality adjustment is applied. |
| Special Salary Rate | A higher rate that may apply to certain occupations or employee groups under authorized federal pay rules. |
Locality pay can make a substantial difference in federal compensation. Employees in high-cost labor markets may receive a larger geographic adjustment than employees covered by the standard nationwide base rate.
Locality pay is generally determined by the employee's official work location rather than simply the state where the employee lives. Always check the applicable OPM locality table for the current duty station.
Federal employees often want to know how an annual GS salary translates into an hourly amount. An hourly equivalent can be estimated from annual basic pay using the standard federal work-year calculation.
| Annual GS Salary | Approx. Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | ≈ $24.04/hour |
| $60,000 | ≈ $28.85/hour |
| $70,000 | ≈ $33.65/hour |
| $80,000 | ≈ $38.46/hour |
| $90,000 | ≈ $43.27/hour |
| $100,000 | ≈ $48.08/hour |
| $120,000 | ≈ $57.69/hour |
| $140,000 | ≈ $67.31/hour |
These are illustrative hourly equivalents calculated from annual salary and should not be interpreted as the employee's contractual hourly wage. Different federal pay rules, overtime, premium pay and work schedules can affect actual compensation.
No. A published GS salary is generally a gross compensation figure before employee payroll deductions. The amount deposited into a federal employee's account can therefore be considerably lower than the published annual salary.
| Pay Figure | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| GS Base Salary | Standard General Schedule rate for the employee's grade and step. |
| Locality-Adjusted Pay | Basic pay after the applicable geographic locality adjustment. |
| Gross Pay | Pay before applicable payroll deductions. |
| Net or Take-Home Pay | Amount remaining after applicable taxes, retirement, insurance and other deductions. |
Federal employees may have deductions for federal and state taxes, retirement contributions, health insurance and other benefits. As a result, take-home pay depends on the employee's individual circumstances and cannot be determined from the GS grade alone.
A GS employee can increase federal compensation in more than one way. Employees may receive within-grade step increases while remaining in the same grade, or they may move to a higher GS grade through a promotion when the position and applicable qualification requirements allow it.
| Career Movement | What Changes | Salary Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Step Increase | Employee moves to a higher step within the same GS grade. | Higher pay within the existing grade. |
| Career-Ladder Promotion | Employee advances to a higher grade within an established career ladder. | Can produce a larger salary increase than a normal step increase. |
| Competitive Promotion | Employee applies for and is selected for a higher-level federal position. | Salary increases according to the applicable higher-grade rate. |
| Specialized Advancement | Employee qualifies for a position with greater technical or professional responsibility. | Compensation depends on the new position, grade, step and locality. |
A promotion to a higher GS grade is different from moving to a higher step. The grade generally reflects the level and responsibility of the federal position, while the step represents the employee's pay position within that grade.
Some federal positions are structured as career-ladder positions, allowing qualified employees to progress through successively higher grades as they gain experience and meet the requirements of the position.
| Career Stage | Example GS Level | Typical Career Development |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | GS-5 / GS-7 | Build foundational experience and perform the duties of the position. |
| Intermediate Level | GS-9 / GS-11 | Take on greater technical responsibility and develop specialized expertise. |
| Experienced Level | GS-12 / GS-13 | Handle more complex assignments and greater independent responsibility. |
| Advanced Professional Level | GS-14 | Perform highly complex work, leadership or advanced specialist duties. |
| Senior GS Level | GS-15 | Manage highly complex responsibilities, programs or senior professional assignments. |
Not every federal occupation follows the same career ladder. The grade progression available to an employee depends on the occupation, position description, agency structure and qualification requirements.
A career ladder does not guarantee automatic progression to every higher GS grade. Employees must continue to meet the applicable performance, qualification and position requirements.
Long-term federal salary growth can come from a combination of within-grade increases, promotions, locality adjustments and changes in job responsibility. Employees who develop specialized skills and qualify for more advanced positions may have opportunities to move into higher GS grades over the course of their careers.
| Career Growth Factor | Potential Impact on Federal Pay |
|---|---|
| Within-Grade Increases | Increase salary while the employee remains in the same GS grade. |
| Higher GS Grade | Moves the employee into a higher salary range with greater position responsibility. |
| Locality Adjustment | Changes basic pay according to the applicable geographic locality. |
| Specialized Skills | May help employees qualify for more advanced or specialized federal positions. |
| Leadership Responsibilities | Greater responsibility can support advancement into higher-level positions when available. |
For example, an employee may begin at a lower GS grade, progress through steps within that grade, qualify for a higher-grade position and eventually reach an advanced GS level. The actual path varies significantly by federal occupation and agency.
GS salary progression is not determined by years of service alone. Position availability, qualifications, performance, agency needs and applicable federal pay rules all influence an employee's advancement opportunities.
This GS salary guide is designed to explain how federal General Schedule compensation works and how salary changes across grades, steps and locality areas. Salary figures are presented using official federal pay information and publicly available federal resources and are intended to make the GS pay system easier to understand.
| Research Area | How It Is Used |
|---|---|
| GS Grades | Used to explain the standard GS-1 through GS-15 classification structure. |
| GS Steps | Used to explain Step 1 through Step 10 salary progression within each grade. |
| Base Salary | Used to present standard General Schedule rates before locality adjustments. |
| Locality Pay | Used to explain how geographic pay adjustments affect eligible federal employees. |
| Career Progression | Used to explain step increases, promotions and career-ladder advancement. |
Where possible, salary information should be checked against the latest official federal pay tables before being used for employment, compensation or financial decisions. Federal pay rates can change from year to year.
The following government resources can help employees, applicants and researchers verify current General Schedule pay rates, locality adjustments, federal position information and employment requirements.
GS salary is determined by the employee's General Schedule grade and step. The standard system contains GS-1 through GS-15, with 10 steps within each grade. The applicable locality adjustment can increase the basic salary above the standard base rate.
The standard 2026 General Schedule begins at $22,584 per year for GS-1 Step 1 before locality adjustments.
The highest standard 2026 General Schedule base rate is $164,301 per year for GS-15 Step 10 before locality adjustments.
The standard General Schedule contains 15 grades, beginning with GS-1 and ending with GS-15.
Each standard General Schedule grade contains 10 pay steps, from Step 1 through Step 10.
Yes. Moving to a higher step generally increases an employee's basic salary while keeping the employee within the same GS grade, provided the applicable within-grade requirements are met.
Under standard within-grade 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, subject to applicable eligibility and performance requirements.
Yes. Locality pay can increase the basic salary of eligible GS employees according to the locality area associated with their official duty station.
Yes. Two employees at the same GS grade and step can have different locality-adjusted basic pay when their official duty stations are covered by different locality areas.
Yes. GS-15 is the highest standard grade within the General Schedule. It contains 10 steps, with Step 10 being the highest standard rate within that grade before applicable locality considerations.
No. Published GS salary represents gross compensation before applicable payroll deductions. Taxes, retirement contributions, insurance and other deductions can reduce the amount an employee actually receives.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) publishes official General Schedule salary tables and locality pay information. Employees should use the latest OPM tables to verify current federal pay rates.
GS salary in the USA is structured around a clear combination of grade, step and locality. The General Schedule includes GS-1 through GS-15, with 10 steps within each grade, allowing federal employees to progress through established pay levels as their careers develop.
Understanding the difference between a GS grade and a GS step is important when comparing federal salaries. A higher grade generally represents a higher-level position, while movement through the steps can increase pay within the same grade. Locality adjustments can further change the final basic salary based on the employee's official duty station.
For an accurate estimate of federal compensation, identify the employee's GS grade and step first, then check the applicable locality table and current OPM pay schedule. This provides a more useful salary estimate than looking at a GS grade alone.
The GS salary information published on SalaryPayslip is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Federal compensation can vary according to GS grade, pay step, locality area, special salary rates, position requirements and changes to federal compensation policies.
Salary figures shown in this guide should not be interpreted as guaranteed earnings, employment offers or contractual compensation. Readers should verify current pay rates directly through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and other official federal government resources before making employment, career or financial decisions.
SalaryPayslip reviews federal salary information periodically using publicly available government data. Federal pay tables and locality adjustments may change over time, so the latest official OPM information should be used when an exact current salary is required.
The salary figures presented in this guide are intended to explain the General Schedule pay structure and provide useful salary comparisons. Actual federal compensation may differ because of locality adjustments, special pay rates, deductions, premium pay and individual employment circumstances.