Your wages can somewhat vary from the federal GS pay scale due to fluctuating costs of living in each region. For example, New York's high living costs allows for a significant increase adjustment over the base schedule. At the low end of the GS is Grade 1, Step 1, which pays $17,803, at the time of publication. A Grade 1, Step 10 employee earns $22,269. At the high end, a Grade 15, Step 1 employee receives $99,628, whereas a Grade 15, Step 10 employee earns $129,517, at the time of publication.