GS-3 Pay — Raleigh-Durham (2026)
This page shows GS-3 pay in the Raleigh-Durham locality pay area for 2026. The Raleigh-Durham area adds 22.24% in locality pay on top of the GS-3 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $33,870 | $16.23 | $1,298.40 |
| Step 2 | $35,000 | $16.77 | $1,341.60 |
| Step 3 | $36,129 | $17.31 | $1,384.80 |
| Step 4 | $37,259 | $17.85 | $1,428.00 |
| Step 5 | $38,388 | $18.39 | $1,471.20 |
| Step 6 | $39,518 | $18.94 | $1,515.20 |
| Step 7 | $40,647 | $19.48 | $1,558.40 |
| Step 8 | $41,777 | $20.02 | $1,601.60 |
| Step 9 | $42,906 | $20.56 | $1,644.80 |
| Step 10 | $44,036 | $21.10 | $1,688.00 |
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 |
| Raleigh-Durham-Cary, NC locality | 22.24% |
| Adjusted annual | $38,388 |
| Per month | $3,199 |
| Bi-weekly | $1,471.20 |
| Hourly | $18.39 |
Adjusted = base × (1 + locality %), rounded to the nearest dollar. Hourly = annual ÷ 2087; bi-weekly = hourly × 80.
Related pay tables
- Full Raleigh-Durham GS scale
- GS-3 in every locality
- GS-2 in Raleigh-Durham
- GS-4 in Raleigh-Durham
- 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 Raleigh-Durham?
For 2026, GS-3 in Raleigh-Durham ranges from $33,870 at the first step to $44,036 at the top step, with $38,388 near the middle.
How is Raleigh-Durham locality pay calculated?
The GS-3 base rate is multiplied by one plus the Raleigh-Durham locality percentage of 22.24%, 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 Raleigh-Durham rate remained 22.24%.
Is this before or after tax?
The GS-3 figures for Raleigh-Durham are gross 2026 amounts, before tax and withholding.
Source: OPM Salary Table 2026-RA · effective January 11, 2026 · Raleigh-Durham-Cary, NC, 22.24% 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.