GS-11 & GS-12 Pay Scale 2025 – The General Schedule (GS) pay scale is the primary compensation system for most federal civilian employees in the United States, covering over 1.5 million workers in professional, technical, administrative, and clerical roles. GS-11 and GS-12 represent mid-to-senior level positions requiring significant experience, often involving specialized knowledge or supervisory duties.
In 2025, federal employees received an overall average pay raise of 2%, consisting of a 1.7% across-the-board base increase and varying locality adjustments. Salaries vary based on grade, step (1-10), and locality pay area. Data is sourced from the official U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 2025 pay tables.
2025 GS Base Pay Overview
The base pay (before locality) for GS-11 and GS-12 in 2025 is as follows:
GS-11 Base Salary (2025)
| Step | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 1 | $63,163 |
| 2 | $65,268 |
| 3 | $67,373 |
| 4 | $69,478 |
| 5 | $71,583 |
| 6 | $73,688 |
| 7 | $75,793 |
| 8 | $77,898 |
| 9 | $80,003 |
| 10 | $82,108 |
- Range: $63,163 (Step 1) to $82,108 (Step 10)
- Within-grade increase: Approximately $2,105 per step
GS-12 Base Salary (2025)
| Step | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 1 | $75,706 |
| 2 | $78,230 |
| 3 | $80,754 |
| 4 | $83,278 |
| 5 | $85,802 |
| 6 | $88,326 |
| 7 | $90,850 |
| 8 | $93,374 |
| 9 | $95,898 |
| 10 | $98,422 |
- Range: $75,706 (Step 1) to $98,422 (Step 10)
- Within-grade increase: Approximately $2,524 per step
These figures reflect the 1.7% base increase effective January 2025.
How Locality Pay Affects GS-11 and GS-12 Salaries?
Actual take-home pay is higher due to locality adjustments, which account for cost-of-living differences across regions. There are over 50 locality pay areas in 2025, plus “Rest of U.S.” (RUS) for areas not specifically designated.
Locality pay is added as a percentage to the base salary. Examples of 2025 locality rates:
- Rest of U.S. (RUS): 17.06%
- Washington-Baltimore-Arlington, DC-MD-VA-WV-PA: 33.94%
- San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA: Highest, often over 45%
Example Adjusted Salaries (2025)
- GS-11 Step 1:
- Base (no locality): $63,163
- RUS: ~$74,000
- Washington, DC area: ~$84,600
- GS-12 Step 1:
- Base: $75,706
- RUS: ~$88,600
- Washington, DC area: ~$101,400
- GS-12 Step 10 (high locality, e.g., San Francisco area): Can exceed $140,000
Use the official OPM GS Salary Calculator for precise figures based on your location.
Step Increases and Career Progression
- Employees advance steps based on time and performance: 1 year (steps 1-3), 2 years (4-6), 3 years (7-10).
- Promotion from GS-11 to GS-12 typically requires at least one year at GS-11 and meeting qualification standards.
- GS-11 often requires a master’s degree or equivalent experience; GS-12 demands advanced expertise or leadership.
Additional Factors
- Special Rates: Some occupations/locations receive higher pay for recruitment/retention.
- Pay Cap: Total pay (base + locality) cannot exceed Executive Schedule Level IV (~$195,200 in 2025).
- Benefits like health insurance, retirement (FERS), and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) add significant value.
For the most accurate 2025 pay information, visit the OPM website or use their salary tables and calculator. Federal pay is public and transparent, helping employees plan careers effectively.
Understanding the GS-11 and GS-12 pay scale in 2025 empowers federal workers and applicants to negotiate steps, plan relocations, and maximize compensation in this competitive system.