A GS-14 in 2026 makes between $92,977 and $120,868 per year, depending on experience and location; Step 1 in Washington, D.C. pays $122,530 annually.
How much do GS 14s make?
A GS-14 makes $92,977 per year at Step 1 and up to $120,868 at Step 10, with locality pay added in higher-cost areas like Washington, D.C.
Most GS-14s are managers, senior policy advisors, or highly specialized professionals. Each step up adds roughly $2,979 to annual pay. Plug your location into the OPM Salary Calculator for exact numbers.
What does a GS-15 make?
A GS-15 makes $109,366 per year at Step 1 and up to $142,180 at Step 10, before locality adjustments.
GS-15s sit at the top of the standard federal grade, often running major programs or serving as senior technical experts. Annual step increases run about $3,431. Your local GS-15 pay is spelled out in the OPM pay tables.
What is a GS-14 equivalent to?
A GS-14 is equivalent to O-5 Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, based on standard military grade equivalencies.
This grade covers top civilian roles like program managers, senior engineers, and policy directors. Military equivalents shift by branch; flip through the DoD grade conversion guide for the details.
How much does a GS-14 in DC make?
A GS-14 in Washington, D.C. earns $122,530 at Step 1 and up to $142,180 at Step 10 under the 2026 Locality Pay Area tables.
D.C.’s locality bump adds about 25% to base pay. Double-check the 2026 rates in the OPM salary tables.
What GS level is the president?
The U.S. President is not on the GS scale but is paid under the Executive Schedule Level I, which is $221,400 per year in 2026.
Congress sets presidential pay, and it sits above every GS grade. SES positions fall below Level III of the Executive Schedule ($172,080 in 2026). The White House posts executive pay levels every year.
Is GS-13 good?
Yes, GS-13 is a strong mid-to-senior federal grade, typically paying $79,468 to $103,309 per year as of 2026.
Most GS-13 roles demand a master’s degree or equivalent experience and include supervisory and high-level technical positions. With solid performance, moving up to GS-14 is common. Scan GS-13 postings on USAJOBS to see what employers expect.
Is GS-14 a high-level?
Yes, GS-14 is a high-level federal position, reserved for supervisors, senior technical experts, and advanced professionals.
It’s the second-highest standard grade in the General Schedule. GS-14s often run major programs or lead teams of GS-12s and GS-13s. Most SES roles require GS-15 or equivalent experience.
What does a GS-12 get paid?
A GS-12 earns $66,829 per year at Step 1 and up to $86,881 at Step 10, before locality adjustments.
GS-12s are mid-level professionals, often serving as project leaders or technical specialists. Hourly pay starts at about $32.02. Pull the 2026 rates from the OPM Salary Calculator.
What is a GS-13 salary?
A GS-13 earns $79,468 per year at Step 1 and up to $103,309 at Step 10 as of 2026.
This grade is typical for senior analysts, team leaders, and policy advisors. Each step increase runs about $2,643 per year. Look up your local GS-13 salary in the OPM pay tables.
What rank is GS-13 equivalent to?
A GS-13 is equivalent to Major in the Army or Commander in the Navy, based on standard military grade equivalencies.
That’s the senior officer rank for mid-career officers. Equivalencies stay consistent across most federal agencies and military branches. The DoD conversion guide spells out the details.
Can you go from GS-14 to SES?
Yes, GS-14s are eligible to apply for Senior Executive Service (SES) roles, though many SES positions prefer GS-15 experience.
Competition is fierce; you’ll need strong leadership, technical expertise, and executive core qualifications. Acting SES roles or detail assignments can beef up your application. Scan SES vacancies on USAJOBS.
What is higher than a GS-15?
The Senior Executive Service (SES) is higher than GS-15, with pay capped at Executive Schedule Level V ($203,700 in 2026).
SES roles are for top executives running major agencies or programs. Congress sets SES pay, which can include performance bonuses. Head to the OPM’s SES page for qualification details.
What is a GS-14 level government job?
A GS-14 job is a high-level federal position for supervisors and senior technical experts, typically requiring 8–12 years of experience.
Common roles include program managers, senior engineers, and policy advisors. GS-14s often oversee teams of GS-12s and GS-13s. Browse GS-14 openings on USAJOBS to see typical job postings.
What is a GS 9 salary?
A GS-9 earns $46,083 per year at Step 1 and up to $59,907 at Step 10 as of 2026.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 10 |
| GS-8 | $41,723 | $54,242 |
| GS-9 | $46,083 | $59,907 |
| GS-10 | $50,748 | $65,976 |
| GS-11 | $55,756 | $72,487 |
GS-9s are typically journey-level professionals in fields like engineering, IT, or administration. Hourly pay starts at about $22.16. Run the numbers for your area with the OPM Salary Calculator.
What do GS 10 make?
A GS-10 earns $50,246 per year at Step 1 and up to $65,321 at Step 10 as of 2026.
GS-10s are mid-level professionals, often serving as specialists or analysts. Hourly pay starts at about $24.08. Locality pay can tack on $5,000–$15,000 depending on where you’re stationed. Confirm the exact 2026 rates in OPM’s pay tables.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.