GS-8 Pay — Des Moines-Ames (2026)
This page shows GS-8 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-8 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $56,336 | $26.99 | $2,159.20 |
| Step 2 | $58,213 | $27.89 | $2,231.20 |
| Step 3 | $60,091 | $28.79 | $2,303.20 |
| Step 4 | $61,968 | $29.69 | $2,375.20 |
| Step 5 | $63,846 | $30.59 | $2,447.20 |
| Step 6 | $65,723 | $31.49 | $2,519.20 |
| Step 7 | $67,601 | $32.39 | $2,591.20 |
| Step 8 | $69,478 | $33.29 | $2,663.20 |
| Step 9 | $71,356 | $34.19 | $2,735.20 |
| Step 10 | $73,233 | $35.09 | $2,807.20 |
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) | $54,102 |
| Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality | 18.01% |
| Adjusted annual | $63,846 |
| Per month | $5,321 |
| Bi-weekly | $2,447.20 |
| Hourly | $30.59 |
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-8 in every locality
- GS-7 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-9 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-8 in Rest of U.S.
- GS-8 in Washington-Baltimore
- GS-8 in New York-Newark
Frequently asked questions
How much does GS-8 make in Des Moines-Ames?
For 2026, GS-8 in Des Moines-Ames ranges from $56,336 at the first step to $73,233 at the top step, with $63,846 near the middle.
How is Des Moines-Ames locality pay calculated?
The GS-8 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-8 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.