A GS 15 salary is generally considered a very strong and competitive compensation level, particularly when factoring in the comprehensive benefits package associated with federal employment.
Understanding GS 15 Salaries
The General Schedule (GS) is the primary pay scale for the majority of white-collar federal employees in the United States. A GS-15 is one of the highest pay grades within this system, typically occupied by highly experienced professionals, senior managers, or specialists who hold significant responsibilities. These roles often require extensive education, specialized skills, and years of experience.
GS 15 Salary Ranges
While annual salaries for GS 15 positions can vary significantly based on factors like locality pay, specific agency, and an employee's step within the grade, the compensation generally falls within a robust range. Reported GS 15 salaries can extend from as low as $39,000 to as high as $111,000 annually.
The majority of professionals at this level earn substantial compensation, with the typical range for GS 15 salaries falling between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $90,000 (75th percentile) across the United States. Top earners at the 90th percentile can command $101,500 per year.
To illustrate the typical distribution of GS 15 salaries, consider the following breakdown:
| Percentile (Annual) | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 25th Percentile | $50,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $101,500 |
| Overall Low | $39,000 |
| Overall High | $111,000 |
It's important to remember that these figures represent base salaries and do not include the significant value of federal benefits.
Factors Determining if a GS 15 Salary is "Good"
Whether a GS 15 salary is considered "good" often depends on several contextual factors:
- Location and Cost of Living: Federal salaries include locality pay, which adjusts compensation based on the cost of living in specific geographic areas. For instance, a GS 15 in a high-cost area like the Washington D.C. metropolitan area will earn a higher base salary than someone at the same grade and step in a lower-cost rural area. You can explore current locality pay tables via the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
- Federal Benefits Package: One of the most significant advantages of federal employment is the comprehensive benefits package, which adds substantial value to the overall compensation. This typically includes:
- Generous Health Insurance: A wide range of health, dental, and vision plans, with the government often covering a significant portion of premiums.
- Robust Retirement Plans: The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) includes a basic benefit, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which is similar to a 401(k) with government matching contributions.
- Paid Leave: Ample annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
- Job Security: Federal positions often offer a high degree of stability, particularly after a probationary period.
- Work-Life Balance Programs: Such as flexible work schedules, telework options, and employee assistance programs.
- Personal Financial Goals and Lifestyle: What is considered a "good" salary is subjective and depends on an individual's financial responsibilities, debt, desired lifestyle, and savings goals. A GS 15 salary can comfortably support a high quality of life for many individuals and families across the country.
- Experience, Education, and Specific Role: Within the GS-15 grade, there are ten "steps," with each step representing an increase in pay based on longevity and performance. An employee's specific role, level of expertise, and educational background can also influence their starting step and progression within the GS-15 grade.
Comparing GS 15 to the National Average
When comparing a GS 15 salary to national averages, it stands out as a strong earning potential. For example, the median weekly earnings for full-time wage and salary workers across the United States were approximately $1,118 in the fourth quarter of 2023, translating to about $58,136 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A GS 15 salary, especially towards the higher end of its range, is significantly above this national median for individual earnings.
Furthermore, the median household income in the United States was approximately $74,580 in 2022, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. For an individual earning a GS 15 salary, particularly in the $90,000 to $101,500 range, their income alone often exceeds or comes close to the median for an entire household.
Career Progression and Earning Potential
A GS 15 position typically represents a pinnacle for many federal career paths outside of the Senior Executive Service (SES). It offers:
- Significant Responsibility: These roles come with substantial influence and the opportunity to contribute to critical government functions.
- Leadership Opportunities: Many GS 15 roles involve leading teams, managing complex projects, or advising senior leadership.
- Path to Senior Executive Service (SES): For those seeking to advance further, a GS 15 can serve as a stepping stone to the SES, which involves even higher-level executive positions with corresponding increases in pay and responsibility.
Considering the competitive salary, the robust benefits package, and the inherent job security and career growth opportunities, a GS 15 salary is widely regarded as excellent compensation within the public sector and is highly competitive when compared to many private sector roles.
