Question 1

How do I calculate my GS salary with locality pay?

Accepted Answer

Your locality-adjusted GS salary equals your base pay multiplied by (1 + locality rate). For example, GS-13 Step 1 base pay is $90,925 in 2026. In the Washington DC locality (33.94% adjustment), that becomes $90,925 × 1.3394 = $121,785. Use this calculator to get the exact figure for any grade, step, and locality combination.

Question 2

What is the GS pay cap for 2026?

Accepted Answer

GS salaries are capped at the Executive Schedule Level IV rate, which is $197,200 for 2026 (per 5 CFR 531.606). This cap applies regardless of grade, step, or locality percentage, and primarily affects GS-15 employees in the highest-adjustment pay areas like San Francisco and New York.

Question 3

How does my GS salary affect my FERS pension?

Accepted Answer

Your FERS pension is calculated using your High-3 average salary — the average of your three highest consecutive years of locality-adjusted base pay. A higher locality adjustment directly increases your High-3 and therefore your pension for life. The FERS pension formula is: Years of Service × 1% (or 1.1% if retiring at 62+ with 20+ years) × High-3.

Question 4

What is GS-13 Step 10 salary in Washington DC for 2026?

Accepted Answer

A GS-13 Step 10 employee in the Washington DC locality (33.94% adjustment) earns $158,321 in 2026. The base pay is $118,204, and the DC locality adjustment adds $40,117.

Question 5

What is the difference between GS base pay and locality-adjusted pay?

Accepted Answer

GS base pay is the national pay rate set by OPM each January. Locality-adjusted pay is base pay multiplied by a locality factor specific to where you work. In 2026, the difference ranges from 17.06% above base (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% above base (San Francisco), translating to tens of thousands of dollars difference per year at mid-to-senior GS grades.

GS Pay Calculator — Grade, Step & Locality

FERS Pension Bridge