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Every GS grade has 10 steps, and each step is a raise. But the waiting period grows as you climb: steps 1–3 advance yearly, 4–6 every two years, 7–9 every three years. Pick your grade to see the full progression with 2026 salaries and exactly when each step lands.
Sources: 5 CFR 531.405 — WGI waiting periods, OPM — Within-grade increases, OPM — 2026 GS salary tables
Base salaries are the 2026 GS scale (before locality pay, which adds roughly 15–35% on top).
| Step | Base salary (2026) | Wait to reach it | Time in grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $52,727 | — | start |
| Step 2 | $54,485 | +1 yr | 1 yr |
| Step 3 | $56,243 | +1 yr | 2 yrs |
| Step 4 | $58,001 | +1 yr | 3 yrs |
| Step 5 | $59,759 | +2 yr | 5 yrs |
| Step 6 | $61,517 | +2 yr | 7 yrs |
| Step 7 | $63,275 | +2 yr | 9 yrs |
| Step 8 | $65,033 | +3 yr | 12 yrs |
| Step 9 | $66,791 | +3 yr | 15 yrs |
| Step 10 | $68,549 | +3 yr | 18 yrs |
Reaching step 10 from step 1 takes 18 years of creditable service at acceptable performance. Steps 1–3 advance yearly, 4–6 every 2 years, 7–9 every 3 years.
Waiting periods (5 CFR 531.405): within-grade increases (WGIs) are automatic on schedule as long as your performance is at an acceptable level and you have not received an equivalent increase during the waiting period. Nonpay status can extend the waiting period.
Faster than the schedule: a Quality Step Increase (QSI) can move you up a step early for outstanding performance, and a promotion to a higher grade resets you into that grade's steps. Get the exact salary for any grade, step, and city with the GS pay calculator. Educational estimate; confirm with your HR/servicing personnel office.
Next: exact pay by grade, step, and city with the 2026 GS pay calculator, see what GS grade your rank maps to, and claim your veterans' preference.