GS Pay Calculator Hawaii 2026
Calculate your 2026 federal salary in the State of Hawaii locality area. Covers federal employees stationed in Hawaii. Major military installation hub in the Pacific.
Hawaii Federal Pay at a Glance
GS-12 Step 5
$105,906
$4,073/biweekly
GS-13 Step 5
$125,936
$4,844/biweekly
Locality Rate
+22.21%
above base pay
GS-15 Step 10
$197,200*
EL-IV cap
Hawaii Locality Pay in Context
The State of Hawaii locality rate of 22.21% ranks #26 out of 48 federal pay areas in 2026. This is a below-average locality rate. Federal employees here may find their pay stretches further due to lower cost of living. Rates range from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% (San Jose, CA). Covers federal employees stationed in Hawaii. Major military installation hub in the Pacific.
Major federal employers in Hawaii include PACOM, Navy (Pearl Harbor), Marine Corps, VA, NPS, USDA. Locality pay is based on your duty station, not where you live — so if you telework from Hawaii but your office is in another pay area, your locality rate may differ.
Hawaii GS Pay Table 2026
Annual salaries for federal employees in the Hawaii 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 | $42,528 | $43,945 | $45,363 | $46,781 | $48,198 | $49,616 | $51,034 | $52,451 | $53,869 | $55,287 |
| GS-7 | $52,680 | $54,436 | $56,192 | $57,948 | $59,704 | $61,461 | $63,217 | $64,973 | $66,729 | $68,485 |
| GS-9 | $64,438 | $66,586 | $68,735 | $70,883 | $73,031 | $75,180 | $77,328 | $79,477 | $81,625 | $83,774 |
| GS-11 | $77,964 | $80,563 | $83,163 | $85,762 | $88,361 | $90,961 | $93,560 | $96,160 | $98,759 | $101,359 |
| GS-12 | $93,445 | $96,561 | $99,676 | $102,791 | $105,906 | $109,021 | $112,136 | $115,251 | $118,366 | $121,482 |
| GS-13 | $111,119 | $114,824 | $118,528 | $122,232 | $125,936 | $129,640 | $133,345 | $137,049 | $140,753 | $144,457 |
| GS-14 | $131,310 | $135,687 | $140,065 | $144,442 | $148,820 | $153,198 | $157,575 | $161,953 | $166,330 | $170,708 |
| GS-15 | $154,454 | $159,603 | $164,751 | $169,900 | $175,049 | $180,197 | $185,346 | $190,495 | $195,644 | $197,200* |
* Salary capped at Executive Level IV ($197,200 in 2026)
Calculate Your Exact Hawaii Salary
Use the interactive calculator below to find your specific grade, step, and pay breakdown. Pre-set to the State of Hawaii locality area.
Calculate Your GS Pay
2026 Pay: GS-15 Step 6
Locality: State of HawaiiBase Annual
$147,449
Locality Adj. (+22.21%)
$32,748
Total Annual
$180,197
Biweekly
$6,931
Hourly: $86.34
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 Hawaii Compares to Nearby Localities
| Position | Hawaii +22.21% | Los Angeles, CA +36.47% | Seattle, WA +31.57% | San Jose, CA +46.34% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 Step 1 | $93,445 | $104,349 +$10,904 | $100,602 +$7,157 | $111,896 +$18,451 |
| GS-12 Step 5 | $105,906 | $118,264 +$12,358 | $114,017 +$8,111 | $126,817 +$20,911 |
| GS-13 Step 5 | $125,936 | $140,631 +$14,695 | $135,582 +$9,646 | $150,802 +$24,866 |
| 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 Hawaii.
At GS-12 Step 5, federal employees in San Jose, CA earn $20,911 more per year than those in Hawaii, while those in Seattle, WA earn $8,111 more.
Career Salary Growth in Hawaii
Here is how a typical federal career progresses in the Hawaii locality area, assuming competitive promotions through the career ladder:
| Timeline | Position | Hawaii Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | GS-7 Step 1 | $52,680 |
| Year 3 | GS-9 Step 1 | $64,438 |
| Year 5 | GS-11 Step 1 | $77,964 |
| Year 7 | GS-12 Step 3 | $99,676 |
| Year 12 | GS-13 Step 5 | $125,936 |
| Year 20 | GS-14 Step 10 | $170,708 |
Assumes career-ladder promotions every 2-3 years with satisfactory performance. Actual progression varies by position and agency.
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Complete GS Pay Guide 2026
Understand grades, steps, locality adjustments, and the pay cap.
Browse GS Pay by Locality
Frequently Asked Questions: GS Pay in Hawaii
How much does a GS-12 make in Hawaii in 2026?
A GS-12 in the State of Hawaii locality area earns between $93,445 (Step 1) and $121,482 (Step 10) in 2026, with the 22.21% locality adjustment applied.
What is the locality pay percentage for Hawaii?
The Hawaii locality pay adjustment is 22.21% in 2026. This means a federal employee's base pay is multiplied by 1.2221 to determine their total salary. For example, a GS-12 Step 5 base of $86,659 becomes $105,906.
How does Hawaii federal pay compare to nearby areas?
Hawaii has a 22.21% locality rate. Nearby areas include Los Angeles, CA (36.47%), Seattle, WA (31.57%), San Jose, CA (46.34%). Use the comparison table above to see exact salary differences at each grade and step.
What is the GS pay cap in Hawaii?
GS salaries in Hawaii are capped at Executive Level IV: $197,200 in 2026. At 22.21% 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 Hawaii?
Major federal employers in the Hawaii area include PACOM, Navy (Pearl Harbor), Marine Corps, VA, NPS, USDA. Covers federal employees stationed in Hawaii. Major military installation hub in the Pacific.
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 Hawaii area at 22.21% reflects the local cost of labor.