GS-3 Pay — Phoenix-Mesa (2026)

$38,454
A GS-3 Step 5 in Phoenix-Mesa earns $38,454 in 2026. Across all ten steps, GS-3 in Phoenix-Mesa ranges $33,928–$44,111.
Phoenix-Mesa locality pay: 22.45% · effective January 11, 2026

This page shows GS-3 pay in the Phoenix-Mesa locality pay area for 2026. The Phoenix-Mesa area adds 22.45% in locality pay on top of the GS-3 base rate.

StepAnnualHourlyBi-weekly
Step 1$33,928$16.26$1,300.80
Step 2$35,060$16.80$1,344.00
Step 3$36,191$17.34$1,387.20
Step 4$37,323$17.88$1,430.40
Step 5$38,454$18.43$1,474.40
Step 6$39,586$18.97$1,517.60
Step 7$40,717$19.51$1,560.80
Step 8$41,849$20.05$1,604.00
Step 9$42,980$20.59$1,647.20
Step 10$44,111$21.14$1,691.20

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

$38,454/yr
Base pay (before locality)$31,404
Phoenix-Mesa, AZ locality22.45%
Adjusted annual$38,454
Per month$3,205
Bi-weekly$1,474.40
Hourly$18.43

Adjusted = base × (1 + locality %), rounded to the nearest dollar. Hourly = annual ÷ 2087; bi-weekly = hourly × 80.

Related pay tables

Frequently asked questions

How much does GS-3 make in Phoenix-Mesa?

For 2026, GS-3 in Phoenix-Mesa ranges from $33,928 at the first step to $44,111 at the top step, with $38,454 near the middle.

How is Phoenix-Mesa locality pay calculated?

The GS-3 base rate is multiplied by one plus the Phoenix-Mesa locality percentage of 22.45%, 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 Phoenix-Mesa rate remained 22.45%.

Is this before or after tax?

The GS-3 figures for Phoenix-Mesa are gross 2026 amounts, before tax and withholding.

Source: OPM Salary Table 2026-PX · effective January 11, 2026 · Phoenix-Mesa, AZ, 22.45% 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.