GS-3 Pay — Des Moines-Ames (2026)
This page shows GS-3 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-3 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $32,698 | $15.67 | $1,253.60 |
| Step 2 | $33,789 | $16.19 | $1,295.20 |
| Step 3 | $34,879 | $16.71 | $1,336.80 |
| Step 4 | $35,969 | $17.23 | $1,378.40 |
| Step 5 | $37,060 | $17.76 | $1,420.80 |
| Step 6 | $38,150 | $18.28 | $1,462.40 |
| Step 7 | $39,241 | $18.80 | $1,504.00 |
| Step 8 | $40,331 | $19.32 | $1,545.60 |
| Step 9 | $41,422 | $19.85 | $1,588.00 |
| Step 10 | $42,512 | $20.37 | $1,629.60 |
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) | $31,404 |
| Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality | 18.01% |
| Adjusted annual | $37,060 |
| Per month | $3,088 |
| Bi-weekly | $1,420.80 |
| Hourly | $17.76 |
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-3 in every locality
- GS-2 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-4 in Des Moines-Ames
- 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 Des Moines-Ames?
For 2026, GS-3 in Des Moines-Ames ranges from $32,698 at the first step to $42,512 at the top step, with $37,060 near the middle.
How is Des Moines-Ames locality pay calculated?
The GS-3 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-3 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.