GS-9 Pay — Des Moines-Ames (2026)
This page shows GS-9 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-9 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $62,223 | $29.81 | $2,384.80 |
| Step 2 | $64,298 | $30.81 | $2,464.80 |
| Step 3 | $66,372 | $31.80 | $2,544.00 |
| Step 4 | $68,447 | $32.80 | $2,624.00 |
| Step 5 | $70,522 | $33.79 | $2,703.20 |
| Step 6 | $72,596 | $34.78 | $2,782.40 |
| Step 7 | $74,671 | $35.78 | $2,862.40 |
| Step 8 | $76,745 | $36.77 | $2,941.60 |
| Step 9 | $78,820 | $37.77 | $3,021.60 |
| Step 10 | $80,895 | $38.76 | $3,100.80 |
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) | $59,759 |
| Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality | 18.01% |
| Adjusted annual | $70,522 |
| Per month | $5,877 |
| Bi-weekly | $2,703.20 |
| Hourly | $33.79 |
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-9 in every locality
- GS-8 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-10 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-9 in Rest of U.S.
- GS-9 in Washington-Baltimore
- GS-9 in New York-Newark
Frequently asked questions
How much does GS-9 make in Des Moines-Ames?
For 2026, GS-9 in Des Moines-Ames ranges from $62,223 at the first step to $80,895 at the top step, with $70,522 near the middle.
How is Des Moines-Ames locality pay calculated?
The GS-9 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-9 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.