GS-15 Pay — Des Moines-Ames (2026)
This page shows GS-15 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-15 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $149,146 | $71.46 | $5,716.80 |
| Step 2 | $154,118 | $73.85 | $5,908.00 |
| Step 3 | $159,089 | $76.23 | $6,098.40 |
| Step 4 | $164,061 | $78.61 | $6,288.80 |
| Step 5 | $169,033 | $80.99 | $6,479.20 |
| Step 6 | $174,005 | $83.38 | $6,670.40 |
| Step 7 | $178,976 | $85.76 | $6,860.80 |
| Step 8 | $183,948 | $88.14 | $7,051.20 |
| Step 9 | $188,920 | $90.52 | $7,241.60 |
| Step 10 | $193,892 | $92.90 | $7,432.00 |
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) | $143,236 |
| Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality | 18.01% |
| Adjusted annual | $169,033 |
| Per month | $14,086 |
| Bi-weekly | $6,479.20 |
| Hourly | $80.99 |
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-15 in every locality
- GS-14 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-15 in Rest of U.S.
- GS-15 in Washington-Baltimore
- GS-15 in New York-Newark
Frequently asked questions
How much does GS-15 make in Des Moines-Ames?
For 2026, GS-15 in Des Moines-Ames ranges from $149,146 at the first step to $193,892 at the top step, with $169,033 near the middle.
How is Des Moines-Ames locality pay calculated?
The GS-15 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-15 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.