GS-11 Pay — Des Moines-Ames (2026)
This page shows GS-11 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-11 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $75,284 | $36.07 | $2,885.60 |
| Step 2 | $77,795 | $37.28 | $2,982.40 |
| Step 3 | $80,305 | $38.48 | $3,078.40 |
| Step 4 | $82,815 | $39.68 | $3,174.40 |
| Step 5 | $85,325 | $40.88 | $3,270.40 |
| Step 6 | $87,835 | $42.09 | $3,367.20 |
| Step 7 | $90,345 | $43.29 | $3,463.20 |
| Step 8 | $92,855 | $44.49 | $3,559.20 |
| Step 9 | $95,365 | $45.69 | $3,655.20 |
| Step 10 | $97,875 | $46.90 | $3,752.00 |
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) | $72,303 |
| Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality | 18.01% |
| Adjusted annual | $85,325 |
| Per month | $7,110 |
| Bi-weekly | $3,270.40 |
| Hourly | $40.88 |
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-11 in every locality
- GS-10 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-12 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-11 in Rest of U.S.
- GS-11 in Washington-Baltimore
- GS-11 in New York-Newark
Frequently asked questions
How much does GS-11 make in Des Moines-Ames?
For 2026, GS-11 in Des Moines-Ames ranges from $75,284 at the first step to $97,875 at the top step, with $85,325 near the middle.
How is Des Moines-Ames locality pay calculated?
The GS-11 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-11 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.