GS-3 Pay — Denver-Aurora (2026)
This page shows GS-3 pay in the Denver-Aurora locality pay area for 2026. The Denver-Aurora area adds 30.52% in locality pay on top of the GS-3 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $36,164 | $17.33 | $1,386.40 |
| Step 2 | $37,370 | $17.91 | $1,432.80 |
| Step 3 | $38,576 | $18.48 | $1,478.40 |
| Step 4 | $39,782 | $19.06 | $1,524.80 |
| Step 5 | $40,989 | $19.64 | $1,571.20 |
| Step 6 | $42,195 | $20.22 | $1,617.60 |
| Step 7 | $43,401 | $20.80 | $1,664.00 |
| Step 8 | $44,607 | $21.37 | $1,709.60 |
| Step 9 | $45,813 | $21.95 | $1,756.00 |
| Step 10 | $47,019 | $22.53 | $1,802.40 |
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 |
| Denver-Aurora, CO locality | 30.52% |
| Adjusted annual | $40,989 |
| Per month | $3,416 |
| Bi-weekly | $1,571.20 |
| Hourly | $19.64 |
Adjusted = base × (1 + locality %), rounded to the nearest dollar. Hourly = annual ÷ 2087; bi-weekly = hourly × 80.
Related pay tables
- Full Denver-Aurora GS scale
- GS-3 in every locality
- GS-2 in Denver-Aurora
- GS-4 in Denver-Aurora
- 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 Denver-Aurora?
For 2026, GS-3 in Denver-Aurora ranges from $36,164 at the first step to $47,019 at the top step, with $40,989 near the middle.
How is Denver-Aurora locality pay calculated?
The GS-3 base rate is multiplied by one plus the Denver-Aurora locality percentage of 30.52%, 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 Denver-Aurora rate remained 30.52%.
Is this before or after tax?
The GS-3 figures for Denver-Aurora are gross 2026 amounts, before tax and withholding.
Source: OPM Salary Table 2026-DEN · effective January 11, 2026 · Denver-Aurora, CO, 30.52% 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.