The short answer
Use the OPM table for the correct year, grade, step and applicable locality. A published locality rate already includes that adjustment; it is an annual rate, not take-home pay.
Start with the table label
The base GS schedule and locality schedules are different tables. The same grade and step can have different annual rates depending on the applicable schedule. Our calculator supports base GS, Washington–Baltimore–Arlington and Rest of U.S.
Compare a consistent row
The example below keeps grade and step fixed and changes only the table. This makes the table effect visible. Use the published locality rate rather than adding a locality amount to an already adjusted rate.
What the result includes
The displayed amount is a published annual salary rate from the selected OPM table. It is not take-home pay. Taxes, deductions, overtime, awards, special rates and individual personnel circumstances are outside this calculator.
Verify the applicable locality
A table choice should follow the position’s applicable pay rules and official duty station information. Confirm those details with the vacancy announcement or agency HR. This site does not determine an employee’s entitlement.
Your next steps
- Confirm pay year.
- Confirm grade and step.
- Confirm the applicable schedule.
- Use the published row and verify special circumstances with HR.
Common questions
Is locality pay already included in the locality table?
Yes. Use the published locality-adjusted cell; adding the locality percentage again would double-count the adjustment.
Does the calculator account for special pay rates?
No. Our calculator covers three selected schedules. Check applicable special rates and personal pay-setting circumstances with agency HR.
Sources and editorial record
Prepared with AI assistance from the linked sources. Independent human review pending. “Public Atlas Editorial” is a publication label. First edition: 2026-09-28. Scheduled source review: 2026-10-28. Data examples update with their source snapshots; the guide text is versioned separately.
Changes to this guide
- 2026-09-28 — First AI-assisted edition published with source links and review status disclosed.
- 2026-09-29 — Added focused reader questions and concise answers with source links; checked primary-source guidance and retained pending human review.