GS-12 Pay — Des Moines-Ames (2026)
This page shows GS-12 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-12 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $90,234 | $43.24 | $3,459.20 |
| Step 2 | $93,242 | $44.68 | $3,574.40 |
| Step 3 | $96,250 | $46.12 | $3,689.60 |
| Step 4 | $99,258 | $47.56 | $3,804.80 |
| Step 5 | $102,266 | $49.00 | $3,920.00 |
| Step 6 | $105,274 | $50.44 | $4,035.20 |
| Step 7 | $108,282 | $51.88 | $4,150.40 |
| Step 8 | $111,291 | $53.33 | $4,266.40 |
| Step 9 | $114,299 | $54.77 | $4,381.60 |
| Step 10 | $117,307 | $56.21 | $4,496.80 |
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) | $86,659 |
| Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality | 18.01% |
| Adjusted annual | $102,266 |
| Per month | $8,522 |
| Bi-weekly | $3,920.00 |
| Hourly | $49.00 |
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-12 in every locality
- GS-11 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-13 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-12 in Rest of U.S.
- GS-12 in Washington-Baltimore
- GS-12 in New York-Newark
Frequently asked questions
How much does GS-12 make in Des Moines-Ames?
For 2026, GS-12 in Des Moines-Ames ranges from $90,234 at the first step to $117,307 at the top step, with $102,266 near the middle.
How is Des Moines-Ames locality pay calculated?
The GS-12 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-12 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.