GS-3 Pay — Buffalo-Cheektowaga (2026)
This page shows GS-3 pay in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga locality pay area for 2026. The Buffalo-Cheektowaga area adds 22.41% in locality pay on top of the GS-3 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $33,917 | $16.25 | $1,300.00 |
| Step 2 | $35,048 | $16.79 | $1,343.20 |
| Step 3 | $36,179 | $17.34 | $1,387.20 |
| Step 4 | $37,311 | $17.88 | $1,430.40 |
| Step 5 | $38,442 | $18.42 | $1,473.60 |
| Step 6 | $39,573 | $18.96 | $1,516.80 |
| Step 7 | $40,704 | $19.50 | $1,560.00 |
| Step 8 | $41,835 | $20.05 | $1,604.00 |
| Step 9 | $42,966 | $20.59 | $1,647.20 |
| Step 10 | $44,097 | $21.13 | $1,690.40 |
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) | $31,404 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Olean, NY locality | 22.41% |
| Adjusted annual | $38,442 |
| Per month | $3,204 |
| Bi-weekly | $1,473.60 |
| Hourly | $18.42 |
Adjusted = base × (1 + locality %), rounded to the nearest dollar. Hourly = annual ÷ 2087; bi-weekly = hourly × 80.
Related pay tables
- Full Buffalo-Cheektowaga GS scale
- GS-3 in every locality
- GS-2 in Buffalo-Cheektowaga
- GS-4 in Buffalo-Cheektowaga
- GS-3 in Rest of U.S.
- GS-3 in Washington-Baltimore
- GS-3 in New York-Newark
Frequently asked questions
How much does GS-3 make in Buffalo-Cheektowaga?
For 2026, GS-3 in Buffalo-Cheektowaga ranges from $33,917 at the first step to $44,097 at the top step, with $38,442 near the middle.
How is Buffalo-Cheektowaga locality pay calculated?
The GS-3 base rate is multiplied by one plus the Buffalo-Cheektowaga locality percentage of 22.41%, 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 Buffalo-Cheektowaga rate remained 22.41%.
Is this before or after tax?
The GS-3 figures for Buffalo-Cheektowaga are gross 2026 amounts, before tax and withholding.
Source: OPM Salary Table 2026-BU · effective January 11, 2026 · Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Olean, NY, 22.41% 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.