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Federal employees in the Washington-Baltimore-Arlington DC-MD-VA-WV-PA locality pay area can expect some notable changes to their General Schedule (GS) Pay Scale in January 2026. The upcoming pay tables reveal a 1% across-the-board increase and a substantial 33.94% locality payment that significantly impacts federal worker compensation.
Understanding the 2026 GS Pay Scale for Washington DC
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has released the detailed pay tables for federal employees, providing a comprehensive breakdown of salary rates across various grades and steps. For federal workers in the DC metropolitan area, this means a nuanced approach to compensation that takes into account both base pay and locality adjustments.
Key Highlights of the 2026 Pay Scale
- 1% General Schedule Increase: All federal employees will see a base pay increase
- Locality Pay Rate of 33.94%: Specific to the Washington-Baltimore-Arlington area
- Grades Covered: GS-1 through GS-15, with varying step increases
Salary Range Examples
To illustrate the pay scale, here are some representative salary ranges for different grades in the DC locality area:
| Grade | Step 1 Annual Salary | Step 10 Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $46,610 | $60,593 |
| GS-9 | $70,623 | $91,815 |
| GS-13 | $121,785 | $158,322 |
| GS-15 | $169,279 | $197,200* |
*Note: Rate limited to the rate for level IV of the Executive Schedule
Important Considerations for Federal Employees
The locality pay adjustment is crucial for federal workers in the DC area. This 33.94% additional compensation helps offset the higher cost of living in the Washington metropolitan region. Employees should carefully review their specific grade and step to understand their exact compensation.
Promotion and Pay Calculations
For federal employees considering promotions in 2026, the OPM provides specific guidelines. Promotions can impact pay calculations, with different methods applied depending on the employee’s current and future positions.
🔔 Note: Always consult with your HR department for the most accurate and personalized pay information.
The 2026 pay scale reflects the ongoing commitment to maintaining competitive compensation for federal employees, particularly in high-cost areas like Washington DC. While the 1% increase may seem modest, the substantial locality pay adjustment provides significant financial support for government workers.
How is the locality pay calculated?
+Locality pay is calculated by applying a percentage (33.94% for DC in 2026) to the base General Schedule rate, which varies by grade and step.
Do all federal employees get the same locality pay?
+No, locality pay varies by geographic area. The Washington-Baltimore-Arlington area has a 33.94% locality pay rate, which differs from other regions.
When do these new pay rates take effect?
+The new pay rates become effective in January 2026, applying to all federal employees in the specified locality pay area.