GS-3 Pay — Boston-Worcester (2026)
This page shows GS-3 pay in the Boston-Worcester locality pay area for 2026. The Boston-Worcester area adds 32.58% in locality pay on top of the GS-3 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $36,735 | $17.60 | $1,408.00 |
| Step 2 | $37,960 | $18.19 | $1,455.20 |
| Step 3 | $39,185 | $18.78 | $1,502.40 |
| Step 4 | $40,410 | $19.36 | $1,548.80 |
| Step 5 | $41,635 | $19.95 | $1,596.00 |
| Step 6 | $42,860 | $20.54 | $1,643.20 |
| Step 7 | $44,086 | $21.12 | $1,689.60 |
| Step 8 | $45,311 | $21.71 | $1,736.80 |
| Step 9 | $46,536 | $22.30 | $1,784.00 |
| Step 10 | $47,761 | $22.89 | $1,831.20 |
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) | $31,404 |
| Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT-ME-VT locality | 32.58% |
| Adjusted annual | $41,635 |
| Per month | $3,470 |
| Bi-weekly | $1,596.00 |
| Hourly | $19.95 |
Adjusted = base × (1 + locality %), rounded to the nearest dollar. Hourly = annual ÷ 2087; bi-weekly = hourly × 80.
Related pay tables
- Full Boston-Worcester GS scale
- GS-3 in every locality
- GS-2 in Boston-Worcester
- GS-4 in Boston-Worcester
- GS-3 in Rest of U.S.
- GS-3 in Washington-Baltimore
- GS-3 in New York-Newark
Frequently asked questions
How much does GS-3 make in Boston-Worcester?
For 2026, GS-3 in Boston-Worcester ranges from $36,735 at the first step to $47,761 at the top step, with $41,635 near the middle.
How is Boston-Worcester locality pay calculated?
The GS-3 base rate is multiplied by one plus the Boston-Worcester locality percentage of 32.58%, 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 Boston-Worcester rate remained 32.58%.
Is this before or after tax?
The GS-3 figures for Boston-Worcester are gross 2026 amounts, before tax and withholding.
Source: OPM Salary Table 2026-BOS · effective January 11, 2026 · Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT-ME-VT, 32.58% 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.