GS-2 Pay — Des Moines-Ames (2026)
This page shows GS-2 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-2 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $29,966 | $14.36 | $1,148.80 |
| Step 2 | $30,679 | $14.70 | $1,176.00 |
| Step 3 | $31,673 | $15.18 | $1,214.40 |
| Step 4 | $32,512 | $15.58 | $1,246.40 |
| Step 5 | $32,875 | $15.75 | $1,260.00 |
| Step 6 | $33,842 | $16.22 | $1,297.60 |
| Step 7 | $34,808 | $16.68 | $1,334.40 |
| Step 8 | $35,775 | $17.14 | $1,371.20 |
| Step 9 | $36,741 | $17.60 | $1,408.00 |
| Step 10 | $37,708 | $18.07 | $1,445.60 |
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) | $27,858 |
| Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality | 18.01% |
| Adjusted annual | $32,875 |
| Per month | $2,740 |
| Bi-weekly | $1,260.00 |
| Hourly | $15.75 |
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-2 in every locality
- GS-1 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-3 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-2 in Rest of U.S.
- GS-2 in Washington-Baltimore
- GS-2 in New York-Newark
Frequently asked questions
How much does GS-2 make in Des Moines-Ames?
For 2026, GS-2 in Des Moines-Ames ranges from $29,966 at the first step to $37,708 at the top step, with $32,875 near the middle.
How is Des Moines-Ames locality pay calculated?
The GS-2 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-2 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.