GS-7 Pay — Des Moines-Ames (2026)
This page shows GS-7 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-7 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $50,869 | $24.37 | $1,949.60 |
| Step 2 | $52,565 | $25.19 | $2,015.20 |
| Step 3 | $54,261 | $26.00 | $2,080.00 |
| Step 4 | $55,957 | $26.81 | $2,144.80 |
| Step 5 | $57,653 | $27.62 | $2,209.60 |
| Step 6 | $59,348 | $28.44 | $2,275.20 |
| Step 7 | $61,044 | $29.25 | $2,340.00 |
| Step 8 | $62,740 | $30.06 | $2,404.80 |
| Step 9 | $64,436 | $30.87 | $2,469.60 |
| Step 10 | $66,132 | $31.69 | $2,535.20 |
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
| Base pay (before locality) | $48,854 |
| Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality | 18.01% |
| Adjusted annual | $57,653 |
| Per month | $4,804 |
| Bi-weekly | $2,209.60 |
| Hourly | $27.62 |
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-7 in every locality
- GS-6 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-8 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-7 in Rest of U.S.
- GS-7 in Washington-Baltimore
- GS-7 in New York-Newark
Frequently asked questions
How much does GS-7 make in Des Moines-Ames?
For 2026, GS-7 in Des Moines-Ames ranges from $50,869 at the first step to $66,132 at the top step, with $57,653 near the middle.
How is Des Moines-Ames locality pay calculated?
The GS-7 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-7 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.