[lolsowrong]

When I was a GS15, my box 1 on my W2 was nearly $240k. It’s still not $500k, but it’s not as low as you’re claiming.

Yes, the GS table maxes out at ~150k, but they are also allowed to do locality (in DC that was ~34k), and some agencies are allowed to have a recurring bonus to more closely match external pay.

[sigzero]

It depends on locality as well. Currently a GS-15 step 10 in the DC maxes out at 183500.

[nunez]

didn't know that. thank you for the extra details!