Chaplain
Federal chaplain position providing spiritual guidance, religious services, pastoral counseling, and moral support to military personnel, veterans, and federal employees at government facilities.
💰GS-0060 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-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
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-0060
Chaplain Series Individual Occupational Requirements
Basic Requirements: All applicants must possess:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- A graduate degree in theology, divinity, religious studies, or equivalent professional degree from an accredited theological seminary or school of theology
- Ecclesiastical endorsement from an endorsing organization recognized by the Armed Forces Chaplains Board or equivalent endorsing body
- Ordination or equivalent clergy status from a recognized religious body
Education:
- Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree is typically required
- 72+ semester hours of graduate theological education is standard
Special Requirements:
- Must maintain active ecclesiastical endorsement throughout federal service
- Must be ordained clergy or equivalent in their faith tradition
🎖️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.
- ⚠️Note: Degree required for this series.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0060
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal chaplain 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-0060
Chaplain Corps Officer
Military chaplaincy. Highlight chaplaincy, counseling, and spiritual support.
Chaplain
Military chaplaincy. Highlight chaplaincy, counseling, and spiritual support.
Chaplain
Direct translation to federal chaplain positions. Highlight counseling, religious programs, and pastoral care.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Conduct religious services and ceremonies
- •Provide spiritual counseling
- •Support personnel and families during crises
- •Coordinate religious programs
- •Advise leadership on religious matters
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to provide spiritual support, counseling, and guidance.
Skill in conducting worship services, ceremonies, and observances.
Ability to provide spiritual support during crises and emergencies.
Skill in ministering to diverse faith traditions with sensitivity.
Ability to provide pastoral counseling for personal and family issues.
Skill in providing comfort and support during bereavement.
Understanding of privileged communication requirements.
Knowledge of professional chaplaincy ethics and standards.
Ability to develop religious education and spiritual programs.
Skill in working with diverse populations and respecting beliefs.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
Grade information not available
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0060
What is a Federal Chaplain?
A GS-0060 Chaplain provides spiritual guidance, religious services, and pastoral counseling to military personnel, veterans, and federal employees. Federal chaplains serve at military installations, VA hospitals, federal prisons, and other government facilities, supporting people of all faiths and backgrounds.
How much does a federal Chaplain make?
Federal Chaplains typically earn between $63,163 (GS-11 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Senior chaplains and supervisory positions can reach GS-14/15. Military chaplains transitioning to civilian roles often enter at comparable grades to their prior rank.
What are the requirements for GS-0060 positions?
GS-0060 positions have a positive education requirement: candidates must have a master's degree in divinity, theology, or equivalent from an accredited institution. Additionally, chaplains must be ordained or credentialed by a recognized religious organization and have completed clinical pastoral education.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0060?
For Chaplain positions, military chaplain experience is directly applicable but cannot substitute for the required theological education and ordination. However, military chaplains already have these credentials and can transition seamlessly to VA, BOP, or civilian federal chaplain positions at competitive grades.
What is the career progression for Chaplain?
Federal chaplains typically enter at GS-11/12 and progress to GS-13/14 with experience. Senior positions include Chief Chaplain at major facilities, Regional Chaplain, and national program leadership roles. The VA and Bureau of Prisons have the largest civilian chaplain programs with structured career ladders.
How do I apply for GS-0060 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Chaplain' or '0060' series. Major employers include VA Medical Centers and Bureau of Prisons. Your federal resume should emphasize pastoral counseling experience, clinical pastoral education units, denominational credentials, and experience with diverse populations. Military chaplains should highlight their service background.
Ready to Apply for GS-0060?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.