GS-5 Pay — Seattle-Tacoma (2026)
This page shows GS-5 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-5 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $45,785 | $21.94 | $1,755.20 |
| Step 2 | $47,311 | $22.67 | $1,813.60 |
| Step 3 | $48,837 | $23.40 | $1,872.00 |
| Step 4 | $50,364 | $24.13 | $1,930.40 |
| Step 5 | $51,890 | $24.86 | $1,988.80 |
| Step 6 | $53,416 | $25.59 | $2,047.20 |
| Step 7 | $54,942 | $26.33 | $2,106.40 |
| Step 8 | $56,469 | $27.06 | $2,164.80 |
| Step 9 | $57,995 | $27.79 | $2,223.20 |
| Step 10 | $59,521 | $28.52 | $2,281.60 |
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) | $39,439 |
| Seattle-Tacoma, WA locality | 31.57% |
| Adjusted annual | $51,890 |
| Per month | $4,324 |
| Bi-weekly | $1,988.80 |
| Hourly | $24.86 |
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-5 in every locality
- GS-4 in Seattle-Tacoma
- GS-6 in Seattle-Tacoma
- GS-5 in Rest of U.S.
- GS-5 in Washington-Baltimore
- GS-5 in New York-Newark
Frequently asked questions
How much does GS-5 make in Seattle-Tacoma?
For 2026, GS-5 in Seattle-Tacoma ranges from $45,785 at the first step to $59,521 at the top step, with $51,890 near the middle.
How is Seattle-Tacoma locality pay calculated?
The GS-5 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-5 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.