GS-3 Pay — Philadelphia-Reading (2026)
This page shows GS-3 pay in the Philadelphia-Reading locality pay area for 2026. The Philadelphia-Reading area adds 28.99% in locality pay on top of the GS-3 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $35,741 | $17.13 | $1,370.40 |
| Step 2 | $36,932 | $17.70 | $1,416.00 |
| Step 3 | $38,124 | $18.27 | $1,461.60 |
| Step 4 | $39,316 | $18.84 | $1,507.20 |
| Step 5 | $40,508 | $19.41 | $1,552.80 |
| Step 6 | $41,700 | $19.98 | $1,598.40 |
| Step 7 | $42,892 | $20.55 | $1,644.00 |
| Step 8 | $44,084 | $21.12 | $1,689.60 |
| Step 9 | $45,275 | $21.69 | $1,735.20 |
| Step 10 | $46,467 | $22.26 | $1,780.80 |
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 |
| Philadelphia-Reading-Camden, PA-NJ-DE-MD locality | 28.99% |
| Adjusted annual | $40,508 |
| Per month | $3,376 |
| Bi-weekly | $1,552.80 |
| Hourly | $19.41 |
Adjusted = base × (1 + locality %), rounded to the nearest dollar. Hourly = annual ÷ 2087; bi-weekly = hourly × 80.
Related pay tables
- Full Philadelphia-Reading GS scale
- GS-3 in every locality
- GS-2 in Philadelphia-Reading
- GS-4 in Philadelphia-Reading
- 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 Philadelphia-Reading?
For 2026, GS-3 in Philadelphia-Reading ranges from $35,741 at the first step to $46,467 at the top step, with $40,508 near the middle.
How is Philadelphia-Reading locality pay calculated?
The GS-3 base rate is multiplied by one plus the Philadelphia-Reading locality percentage of 28.99%, 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 Philadelphia-Reading rate remained 28.99%.
Is this before or after tax?
The GS-3 figures for Philadelphia-Reading are gross 2026 amounts, before tax and withholding.
Source: OPM Salary Table 2026-PHL · effective January 11, 2026 · Philadelphia-Reading-Camden, PA-NJ-DE-MD, 28.99% 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.