Dallas, TX Federal Pay at a Glance

GS-12 Step 5
$110,282
$4,242/biweekly
GS-13 Step 5
$131,140
$5,044/biweekly
Locality Rate
+27.26%
above base pay
GS-15 Step 10
$197,200*
EL-IV cap

Dallas, TX Locality Pay in Context

The Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-OK locality rate of 27.26% ranks #16 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 Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and extends into southern Oklahoma.

Major federal employers in Dallas, TX include VA, IRS, FAA, FBI, EPA Region 6, Naval Air Station Fort Worth. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Dallas, TX but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.

Dallas, TX GS Pay Table 2026

Annual salaries for federal employees in the Dallas, TX locality area, including locality pay adjustment. All figures reflect 2026 OPM rates.

GradeStep 1Step 2Step 3Step 4Step 5Step 6Step 7Step 8Step 9Step 10
GS-5$44,285$45,761$47,238$48,714$50,190$51,666$53,143$54,619$56,095$57,571
GS-7$54,857$56,685$58,514$60,343$62,172$64,000$65,829$67,658$69,487$71,315
GS-9$67,100$69,338$71,575$73,812$76,049$78,287$80,524$82,761$84,998$87,235
GS-11$81,186$83,892$86,599$89,306$92,013$94,720$97,426$100,133$102,840$105,547
GS-12$97,307$100,551$103,795$107,038$110,282$113,526$116,770$120,014$123,258$126,502
GS-13$115,711$119,568$123,426$127,283$131,140$134,997$138,855$142,712$146,569$150,426
GS-14$136,736$141,294$145,853$150,411$154,970$159,528$164,086$168,645$173,203$177,762
GS-15$160,836$166,198$171,559$176,921$182,282$187,644$193,005$197,200*$197,200*$197,200*

* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)

Calculate Your Exact Dallas, TX Salary

Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-OK locality area.

Calculate Your GS Pay

2026 Pay: GS-15 Step 6

Locality: Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-OK
Base Annual
$147,449
Locality Adj. (+27.26%)
$40,195
Total Annual
$187,644
Biweekly
$7,217
Hourly: $89.91

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 Dallas, TX Compares to Nearby Localities

PositionDallas, TX
+27.26%
Houston, TX
+35.00%
Austin, TX
+20.35%
San Antonio, TX
+18.78%
GS-12 Step 1$97,307$103,225
+$5,918
$92,023
-$5,284
$90,823
-$6,484
GS-12 Step 5$110,282$116,990
+$6,708
$104,294
-$5,988
$102,934
-$7,348
GS-13 Step 5$131,140$139,116
+$7,976
$124,019
-$7,121
$122,402
-$8,738
GS-15 Step 10$197,200*$197,200*
$0
$197,200*
$0
$195,157
-$2,043

* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026). Differences shown relative to Dallas, TX.

At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in Houston, TX earn $6,708 more per year than those in Dallas, TX, while those in San Antonio, TX earn $7,348 less.

Career Salary Growth in Dallas, TX

Here is how a typical federal career progresses in the Dallas, TX locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder:

TimelinePositionDallas, TX Salary
Year 1GS-7 Step 1$54,857
Year 3GS-9 Step 1$67,100
Year 5GS-11 Step 1$81,186
Year 7GS-12 Step 3$103,795
Year 12GS-13 Step 5$131,140
Year 20GS-14 Step 10$177,762

Assumes career-ladder promotions every 2-3 years with satisfactory performance. Actual progression varies by position and agency.

Related Federal Calculators

Browse GS Pay by Locality

Frequently Asked Questions: GS Pay in Dallas, TX

How much does a GS-12 make in Dallas, TX in 2026?

A GS-12 in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-OK locality area earns between $97,307 (Step 1) and $126,502 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 27.26% locality adjustment applied.

What is the locality pay percentage for Dallas, TX?

The Dallas, TX locality pay adjustment is 27.26% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2726 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $110,282.

How does Dallas, TX federal pay compare to nearby areas?

Dallas, TX has a 27.26% locality rate. Nearby areas include Houston, TX (35.00%), Austin, TX (20.35%), San Antonio, TX (18.78%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.

What is the GS pay cap in Dallas, TX?

GS salaries in Dallas, TX are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 27.26% 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 Dallas, TX?

Major federal employers in the Dallas, TX area include VA, IRS, FAA, FBI, EPA Region 6, Naval Air Station Fort Worth. Covers the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and extends into southern Oklahoma.

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 Dallas, TX area at 27.26% reflects the local cost of labor.