GS-3 Pay — Seattle-Tacoma (2026)
This page shows GS-3 pay in the Seattle-Tacoma locality pay area for 2026. The Seattle-Tacoma area adds 31.57% in locality pay on top of the GS-3 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $36,455 | $17.47 | $1,397.60 |
| Step 2 | $37,671 | $18.05 | $1,444.00 |
| Step 3 | $38,887 | $18.63 | $1,490.40 |
| Step 4 | $40,103 | $19.22 | $1,537.60 |
| Step 5 | $41,318 | $19.80 | $1,584.00 |
| Step 6 | $42,534 | $20.38 | $1,630.40 |
| Step 7 | $43,750 | $20.96 | $1,676.80 |
| Step 8 | $44,965 | $21.55 | $1,724.00 |
| Step 9 | $46,181 | $22.13 | $1,770.40 |
| Step 10 | $47,397 | $22.71 | $1,816.80 |
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 |
| Seattle-Tacoma, WA locality | 31.57% |
| Adjusted annual | $41,318 |
| Per month | $3,443 |
| Bi-weekly | $1,584.00 |
| Hourly | $19.80 |
Adjusted = base × (1 + locality %), rounded to the nearest dollar. Hourly = annual ÷ 2087; bi-weekly = hourly × 80.
Related pay tables
- Full Seattle-Tacoma GS scale
- GS-3 in every locality
- GS-2 in Seattle-Tacoma
- GS-4 in Seattle-Tacoma
- 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 Seattle-Tacoma?
For 2026, GS-3 in Seattle-Tacoma ranges from $36,455 at the first step to $47,397 at the top step, with $41,318 near the middle.
How is Seattle-Tacoma locality pay calculated?
The GS-3 base rate is multiplied by one plus the Seattle-Tacoma locality percentage of 31.57%, 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 Seattle-Tacoma rate remained 31.57%.
Is this before or after tax?
The GS-3 figures for Seattle-Tacoma are gross 2026 amounts, before tax and withholding.
Source: OPM Salary Table 2026-SEA · effective January 11, 2026 · Seattle-Tacoma, WA, 31.57% 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.