GS Pay System – The General Schedule (GS) pay system is the primary compensation structure for over 1.5 million civilian white-collar federal employees in the United States. Administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), it covers professional, technical, administrative, and clerical positions across most federal agencies. Understanding GS levels (grades), steps, and how pay progresses is essential for current federal workers, job applicants, and anyone exploring government careers.
This guide breaks down the GS pay system, including grades, steps, promotions, within-grade increases, and locality adjustments, based on official 2025 data from OPM.
What Is the General Schedule (GS) Pay System?
The GS system classifies federal jobs into 15 grades, from GS-1 (entry-level) to GS-15 (senior-level). Each grade reflects the job’s level of difficulty, responsibility, and required qualifications. Pay within each grade is divided into 10 steps, allowing for regular increases based on performance and time served.
- Grades determine the overall salary range and job complexity.
- Steps provide incremental raises within the same grade.
- Pay is adjusted annually (typically in January) with a base increase and locality pay to account for regional cost-of-living differences.
In 2025, the GS base pay received a 1.7% across-the-board increase, effective January 2025.
GS Grades: Levels of Responsibility
GS grades range from 1 to 15, with higher grades requiring more education, experience, and responsibility:
- GS-1 to GS-4: Entry-level positions, often requiring a high school diploma or minimal experience.
- GS-5 to GS-8: Mid-level roles; a bachelor’s degree typically qualifies for GS-5, while advanced experience or education supports higher starts.
- GS-9 to GS-12: Professional and analytical positions; a master’s degree often aligns with GS-9 entry.
- GS-13 to GS-15: Senior expert or managerial roles, usually requiring significant experience and no supervision.
Agencies classify positions using OPM standards. New hires generally start at Step 1, though superior qualifications or agency needs may allow a higher step.
GS Steps: Within-Grade Increases
Each GS grade has 10 steps, with each step worth approximately 3% more than the previous one. Steps reward longevity and acceptable performance through Within-Grade Increases (WGIs).
To qualify for a WGI:
- Performance must be at an acceptable level (at least “Fully Successful”).
- Complete the required waiting period.
- No equivalent pay increase received during the waiting period.
Waiting periods:
- Steps 1–3: 1 year each
- Steps 4–6: 2 years each
- Steps 7–9: 3 years each
It typically takes 18 years to reach Step 10 in a single grade with consistent performance.
Exceptional performers may earn a Quality Step Increase (QSI), accelerating progress by one extra step (subject to agency approval and limits).
How GS Pay Increases Work?
Federal employees advance pay through:
- Within-Grade Increases (Steps): Automatic with time and performance (as above).
- Promotions (Grade Increases): Moving to a higher grade, often via career ladder positions or competitive applications. Promotions typically grant at least a two-step increase in the new grade.
- Annual Adjustments: Base pay rises nationwide; in 2025, it was 1.7%.
- Locality Pay: Added percentage based on location to match non-federal salaries.
Locality Pay: Adjusting for Location
Most GS employees receive locality pay, a percentage added to base pay reflecting regional private-sector wages. There are over 50 locality areas, plus separate rates for Alaska, Hawaii, and territories.
Examples from 2025 OPM tables:
- San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA: Highest rates (around 46%)
- Washington, DC: High metropolitan adjustment
- Rest of U.S. (RUS): 17.06%
Use OPM’s GS Salary Calculator for exact figures by location, grade, and step.
2025 GS Pay Examples (Base Table, No Locality)
Here are select annual rates from the 2025 GS base pay table (effective January 2025):
- GS-1, Step 1: $22,360
- GS-5, Step 1: ~$33,000 range
- GS-11, Step 1: ~$65,000 range
- GS-15, Step 10: ~$176,000 (capped near Executive Schedule limits)
Full tables and locality-adjusted rates are available on OPM’s website.
Key Takeaways for Federal Employees and Applicants
- The GS system rewards both performance and time, with structured paths to higher pay.
- Career ladders allow automatic promotions in some roles; others require applying competitively.
- Locality pay significantly boosts salaries in high-cost areas.
For the latest details, visit OPM’s Salaries & Wages page or use their salary tools. Understanding GS grades, steps, and increases can help you navigate federal career progression effectively.
Sources: U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM.gov), 2025 GS Pay Tables and Policy Guidance.