GS-6 Pay — Des Moines-Ames (2026)
This page shows GS-6 pay in the Des Moines-Ames locality pay area for 2026. The Des Moines-Ames area adds 18.01% in locality pay on top of the GS-6 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $45,777 | $21.93 | $1,754.40 |
| Step 2 | $47,303 | $22.67 | $1,813.60 |
| Step 3 | $48,829 | $23.40 | $1,872.00 |
| Step 4 | $50,355 | $24.13 | $1,930.40 |
| Step 5 | $51,881 | $24.86 | $1,988.80 |
| Step 6 | $53,407 | $25.59 | $2,047.20 |
| Step 7 | $54,932 | $26.32 | $2,105.60 |
| Step 8 | $56,458 | $27.05 | $2,164.00 |
| Step 9 | $57,984 | $27.78 | $2,222.40 |
| Step 10 | $59,510 | $28.51 | $2,280.80 |
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) | $43,963 |
| Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality | 18.01% |
| Adjusted annual | $51,881 |
| Per month | $4,323 |
| 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 Des Moines-Ames GS scale
- GS-6 in every locality
- GS-5 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-7 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-6 in Rest of U.S.
- GS-6 in Washington-Baltimore
- GS-6 in New York-Newark
Frequently asked questions
How much does GS-6 make in Des Moines-Ames?
For 2026, GS-6 in Des Moines-Ames ranges from $45,777 at the first step to $59,510 at the top step, with $51,881 near the middle.
How is Des Moines-Ames locality pay calculated?
The GS-6 base rate is multiplied by one plus the Des Moines-Ames locality percentage of 18.01%, 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 Des Moines-Ames rate remained 18.01%.
Is this before or after tax?
The GS-6 figures for Des Moines-Ames are gross 2026 amounts, before tax and withholding.
Source: OPM Salary Table 2026-DM · effective January 11, 2026 · Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA, 18.01% 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.