GS-5 Pay — Des Moines-Ames (2026)
This page shows GS-5 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-5 base rate.
| Step | Annual | Hourly | Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $41,066 | $19.68 | $1,574.40 |
| Step 2 | $42,435 | $20.33 | $1,626.40 |
| Step 3 | $43,804 | $20.99 | $1,679.20 |
| Step 4 | $45,173 | $21.64 | $1,731.20 |
| Step 5 | $46,542 | $22.30 | $1,784.00 |
| Step 6 | $47,911 | $22.96 | $1,836.80 |
| Step 7 | $49,280 | $23.61 | $1,888.80 |
| Step 8 | $50,649 | $24.27 | $1,941.60 |
| Step 9 | $52,018 | $24.92 | $1,993.60 |
| Step 10 | $53,387 | $25.58 | $2,046.40 |
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) | $39,439 |
| Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA locality | 18.01% |
| Adjusted annual | $46,542 |
| Per month | $3,879 |
| Bi-weekly | $1,784.00 |
| Hourly | $22.30 |
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-5 in every locality
- GS-4 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-6 in Des Moines-Ames
- GS-5 in Rest of U.S.
- GS-5 in Washington-Baltimore
- GS-5 in New York-Newark
Frequently asked questions
How much does GS-5 make in Des Moines-Ames?
For 2026, GS-5 in Des Moines-Ames ranges from $41,066 at the first step to $53,387 at the top step, with $46,542 near the middle.
How is Des Moines-Ames locality pay calculated?
The GS-5 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-5 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.