Safety Technician
Federal position performing technical safety work including workplace inspections, hazard monitoring, safety equipment testing, and compliance support at federal facilities and job sites.
💰GS-0019 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-4 | $30,795 | $31,822 | $32,849 | $33,876 | $34,903 | $35,930 | $36,957 | $37,984 | $39,011 | $40,038 |
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-6 | $38,407 | $39,687 | $40,967 | $42,247 | $43,527 | $44,807 | $46,087 | $47,367 | $48,647 | $49,927 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-8 | $47,265 | $48,841 | $50,417 | $51,993 | $53,569 | $55,145 | $56,721 | $58,297 | $59,873 | $61,449 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0019
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Technical and Medical Support Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0019:
Experience (Specialized Experience for GS-4 and above): Experience in identifying, preventing, or eliminating safety hazards in work methods or environmental conditions, or in safety training/promotion. This background should include practical knowledge of occupational and environmental hazards, survey methods, and control techniques. Relevant roles include biological technician, medical technician, engineering technician, fire prevention inspector, and environmental health worker.
Education Alternative:
- GS-4: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours of courses in safety, fire prevention, industrial hygiene, psychology, engineering, or in the agricultural, biological, or physical sciences.
- GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of subjects such as safety, fire prevention, industrial hygiene, or other directly related subjects.
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school |
| GS-4 | 6 months | 6 months | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4-year bachelor's degree |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Graduate education if directly related |
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0019
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal safety technician position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0019
Damage Control Chief
Safety technician.
Damage Controlman
Safety Technician — inspection and compliance for fire safety, HAZMAT, and industrial safety programs.
Public Health
Safety Technician series. Entry-to-mid level safety inspection and program support roles at DoD and federal facilities.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Conduct safety inspections
- •Monitor workplace conditions
- •Test safety equipment
- •Maintain safety records
- •Assist with accident investigations
- •Support safety training
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to conduct workplace safety inspections and identify hazards.
Skill in recognizing unsafe conditions and practices.
Ability to operate safety monitoring and testing equipment.
Skill in maintaining safety records and preparing inspection reports.
Knowledge of applicable OSHA and agency safety standards.
Ability to recommend and track corrective actions for hazards.
Skill in assisting with safety training and awareness programs.
Knowledge of PPE requirements and proper use.
Understanding of emergency procedures and first aid.
Ability to explain safety requirements to workers and supervisors.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0019
What is a Safety Technician?
A GS-0019 Safety Technician provides technical support for federal workplace safety programs. These technicians conduct inspections, collect data, test safety equipment, monitor hazardous conditions, and assist safety specialists with accident investigations and compliance activities at federal facilities.
How much does a federal Safety Technician make?
Safety Technicians earn between $30,795 (GS-4 Step 1) and $67,865 (GS-9 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions fall in the GS-5/6/7 range, with full-performance technicians earning $38,407-$55,486 plus locality pay adjustments of 15-30% depending on location.
What are the requirements for GS-0019 positions?
Entry-level GS-4/5 positions require general experience or relevant education/training. Higher grades need progressively more specialized technical experience in safety inspections, hazard monitoring, or equipment testing. Knowledge of OSHA standards and safety procedures is essential at all levels.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0019?
Yes, military experience is excellent preparation for Safety Technician roles. Unit safety representatives, safety NCOs, hazmat handlers, and those with additional duty safety assignments have directly applicable experience. Military training in workplace safety, hazard identification, and compliance monitoring translates well to these federal positions.
What is the career progression for Safety Technician?
Safety Technicians typically progress from GS-4/5 (entry) through GS-7/8/9 (full performance). Strong technicians can advance to GS-0018 Safety and Occupational Health Specialist positions with additional education or experience. The technician track provides excellent foundation for a long-term federal safety career.
How do I apply for GS-0019 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Safety Technician' or '0019' series. These positions exist at military bases, VA hospitals, federal buildings, and other government facilities. Your federal resume should highlight hands-on safety experience, equipment knowledge, and inspection skills. Veterans should emphasize any safety-related military training or certifications.
Ready to Apply for GS-0019?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.