GS Pay Calculator Buffalo, NY 2026
Calculate your 2026 federal salary in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Olean, NY locality area. Covers the Buffalo-Cheektowaga area in western New York near the Canadian border.
Buffalo, NY Federal Pay at a Glance
GS-12 Step 5
$106,079
$4,080/biweekly
GS-13 Step 5
$126,142
$4,852/biweekly
Locality Rate
+22.41%
above base pay
GS-15 Step 10
$197,200*
EL-IV cap
Buffalo, NY Locality Pay in Context
The Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Olean, NY locality rate of 22.41% ranks #22 out of 48 federal pay areas in 2026. This is a mid-range locality rate, balancing regional cost of living with the federal pay structure. Rates range from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% (San Jose, CA). Covers the Buffalo-Cheektowaga area in western New York near the Canadian border.
Major federal employers in Buffalo, NY include VA, CBP, IRS, Army Corps, USPS. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Buffalo, NY but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Buffalo, NY GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Buffalo, NY locality area, including locality pay adjustment. All figures reflect 2026 OPM rates.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $42,597 | $44,017 | $45,437 | $46,857 | $48,277 | $49,697 | $51,117 | $52,537 | $53,957 | $55,377 |
| GS-7 | $52,766 | $54,525 | $56,284 | $58,043 | $59,802 | $61,561 | $63,320 | $65,079 | $66,838 | $68,597 |
| GS-9 | $64,543 | $66,695 | $68,847 | $70,999 | $73,151 | $75,303 | $77,455 | $79,607 | $81,759 | $83,911 |
| GS-11 | $78,091 | $80,695 | $83,299 | $85,902 | $88,506 | $91,110 | $93,713 | $96,317 | $98,921 | $101,524 |
| GS-12 | $93,598 | $96,719 | $99,839 | $102,959 | $106,079 | $109,200 | $112,320 | $115,440 | $118,560 | $121,680 |
| GS-13 | $111,301 | $115,012 | $118,722 | $122,432 | $126,142 | $129,853 | $133,563 | $137,273 | $140,983 | $144,694 |
| GS-14 | $131,525 | $135,909 | $140,294 | $144,679 | $149,064 | $153,448 | $157,833 | $162,218 | $166,602 | $170,987 |
| GS-15 | $154,707 | $159,864 | $165,021 | $170,178 | $175,335 | $180,492 | $185,649 | $190,807 | $195,964 | $197,200* |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
Calculate Your Exact Buffalo, NY Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Olean, NY locality area.
Calculate Your GS Pay
2026 Pay: GS-15 Step 6
Locality: Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Olean, NYBase Annual
$147,449
Locality Adj. (+22.41%)
$33,043
Total Annual
$180,492
Biweekly
$6,942
Hourly: $86.48
About GS Pay
- • Pay data effective 2026-01-11
- • Biweekly pay assumes 26 pay periods per year
- • Hourly rate calculated using 2,087 hours per year (OPM standard)
- • 60 locality areas available
- • Salaries capped at Executive Schedule Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
- • Paycheck breakdown is an estimate - actual deductions vary by individual circumstances
How Buffalo, NY Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Buffalo, NY +22.41% | Albany, NY +20.77% | New York, NY +37.95% | Cleveland, OH +22.23% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $93,598 | $92,344 -$1,254 | $105,481 +$11,883 | $93,461 -$137 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $106,079 | $104,658 -$1,421 | $119,546 +$13,467 | $105,923 -$156 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $126,142 | $124,452 -$1,690 | $142,156 +$16,014 | $125,957 -$185 |
| GS-15 Step 10 | $197,200* | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 | $197,200* $0 |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Buffalo, NY.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in New York, NY earn $13,467 more per year than those in Buffalo, NY, while those in Albany, NY earn $1,421 less.
Career Salary Growth in Buffalo, NY
Here is how a typical federal career progresses in the Buffalo, NY locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder:
| Timeline | Position | Buffalo, NY Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $52,766 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $64,543 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $78,091 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $99,839 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $126,142 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $170,987 |
Assumes career-ladder promotions every 2-3 years with satisfactory performance. Actual progression varies by position and agency.
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Frequently Asked Questions: GS Pay in Buffalo, NY
How much does a GS-12 make in Buffalo, NY in 2026?
A GS-12 in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Olean, NY locality area earns between $93,598 (Step 1) and $121,680 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 22.41% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Buffalo, NY?
The Buffalo, NY locality pay adjustment is 22.41% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2241 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $106,079.
How does Buffalo, NY federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Buffalo, NY has a 22.41% locality rate. Nearby areas include Albany, NY (20.77%), New York, NY (37.95%), Cleveland, OH (22.23%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Buffalo, NY?
GS salaries in Buffalo, NY are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 22.41% locality, GS-15 Step 10 hits this cap — the calculated amount would be higher, but is limited to $197,200.
Which federal agencies have offices in Buffalo, NY?
Major federal employers in the Buffalo, NY area include VA, CBP, IRS, Army Corps, USPS. Covers the Buffalo-Cheektowaga area in western New York near the Canadian border.
How is locality pay determined?
Locality pay is based on where you work (duty station), not where you live. The Federal Salary Council recommends adjustments based on surveys comparing federal and private-sector pay in each area. The Buffalo, NY area at 22.41% reflects the local cost of labor.