GS-1 Pay — Des Moines-Ames (2026)
This page shows GS-1 pay in the Des Moines-Ames locality pay area for 2026. The Des Moines-Ames area adds 18.01% in locality pay on top of the GS-1 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $26,651 | $12.77 | $1,021.60 |
| Step 2 | $27,545 | $13.20 | $1,056.00 |
| Step 3 | $28,431 | $13.62 | $1,089.60 |
| Step 4 | $29,314 | $14.05 | $1,124.00 |
| Step 5 | $30,198 | $14.47 | $1,157.60 |
| Step 6 | $30,716 | $14.72 | $1,177.60 |
| Step 7 | $31,592 | $15.14 | $1,211.20 |
| Step 8 | $32,475 | $15.56 | $1,244.80 |
| Step 9 | $32,512 | $15.58 | $1,246.40 |
| Step 10 | $33,335 | $15.97 | $1,277.60 |
Locality pay is calculated as the base rate multiplied by one plus the locality percentage, rounded to the nearest dollar.
Check another grade, step or locality
| Base pay (before locality) | $25,589 |
| Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality | 18.01% |
| Adjusted annual | $30,198 |
| Per month | $2,517 |
| Bi-weekly | $1,157.60 |
| Hourly | $14.47 |
Adjusted = base × (1 + locality %), rounded to the nearest dollar. Hourly = annual ÷ 2087; bi-weekly = hourly × 80.
Related pay tables
- Full Des Moines-Ames GS scale
- GS-1 in every locality
- GS-2 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-1 in Rest of U.S.
- GS-1 in Washington-Baltimore
- GS-1 in New York-Newark
Frequently asked questions
How much does GS-1 make in Des Moines-Ames?
For 2026, GS-1 in Des Moines-Ames ranges from $26,651 at the first step to $33,335 at the top step, with $30,198 near the middle.
How is Des Moines-Ames locality pay calculated?
The GS-1 base rate is multiplied by one plus the Des Moines-Ames locality percentage of 18.01%, then rounded to the nearest dollar.
What is the 2026 raise?
For 2026, the across-the-board base rate rose while locality percentages were held at their prior-year levels, so the Des Moines-Ames rate remained 18.01%.
Is this before or after tax?
The GS-1 figures for Des Moines-Ames are gross 2026 amounts, before tax and withholding.
Source: OPM Salary Table 2026-DM · effective January 11, 2026 · Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA, 18.01% locality. Rates current as of July 20, 2026. Reference figures for general information — official pay is set by your agency, DFAS or OPM. See methodology.