How do I calculate my GS pay?

Find your GS grade and step in the OPM base pay table, then multiply that base salary by your locality pay percentage. For example, a GS-12 Step 1 base of $74,441 in the Washington DC locality (33.94%) becomes about $99,708 per year before taxes.

How is GS locality pay calculated?

Locality pay is a percentage added on top of your GS base salary, set each year by OPM for 58 pay areas. Multiply base pay by the locality rate and add it to base pay. Rest of U.S. is the lowest rate; San Francisco is the highest.

How much is a GS-12 salary in 2026?

A GS-12 Step 1 earns roughly $74,441 base in 2026, rising to about $96,770 at Step 10. With locality pay the real figure ranges from about $89,000 in Rest of U.S. to over $115,000 in San Francisco or Washington DC.

How is GS retirement pay calculated?

FERS pension equals your high-3 average salary multiplied by years of service multiplied by 1 percent, or 1.1 percent if you retire at 62 or later with 20 or more years. Add Social Security and your TSP balance for total retirement income.

What is my GS take-home pay after taxes?

Subtract federal income tax, FICA at 7.65 percent, FERS contribution of 0.8 to 4.4 percent, TSP contributions, FEHB premiums and state tax from your locality-adjusted salary. Take-home is typically 68 to 75 percent of gross pay.

How many steps are in each GS grade?

Each GS grade has 10 steps. Steps 1 to 3 advance after one year, steps 4 to 6 after two years, and steps 7 to 9 after three years of satisfactory service. Each step is worth roughly 3 percent more pay.

Do GS employees get a raise every year?

Yes. Congress and the President set an annual across-the-board federal pay adjustment, usually between 1 and 5 percent, effective the first pay period of January. Step increases and promotions are separate and add on top of that raise.

Is GS pay the same in every state?

No. Base pay is identical nationwide, but locality pay varies by duty station across 58 areas. The same GS-13 can earn over $25,000 more per year in San Francisco than in a Rest of U.S. location.

GS Pay Calculator 2026 | Federal Locality Pay & Take-Home