Security Administration
Performs security administration work including personnel security, physical security, and security program management.
💰GS-0080 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 |
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-0080
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements: There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
🎖️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-0080
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal security administration 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-0080
Battle Management Operations
Security administration roles value the clearance plus operations-floor and SOC discipline. Strong fit for cleared physical and personnel security positions.
Cyber Surety
Direct path to federal Information Security roles. COMSEC experience especially valued.
Security Forces
Security administration positions directly leverage physical security, access control, and force protection experience.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Manage security programs
- •Process security clearances
- •Conduct security assessments
- •Develop security policies
- •Investigate security incidents
- •Train personnel on security
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to plan and administer comprehensive security programs.
Skill in identifying security vulnerabilities and assessing threats.
Ability to develop security policies, procedures, and standards.
Knowledge of background investigation and clearance processes.
Understanding of facility security measures and access control.
Knowledge of protecting classified and sensitive information.
Ability to develop and deliver security awareness training.
Skill in investigating and responding to security incidents.
Knowledge of security regulations and requirements.
Understanding of continuity of operations and emergency procedures.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0080
What is a Security Administration Specialist?
A GS-0080 Security Administration Specialist manages security programs including personnel security clearances, physical security, information security, and industrial security. These professionals develop policies, conduct investigations, and ensure federal facilities and personnel meet security requirements.
How much does a federal Security Administration Specialist make?
Security Administration Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most full-performance positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually. Senior security managers can reach GS-14/15 levels.
What are the requirements for GS-0080 positions?
GS-0080 positions require education and/or experience in security administration, criminal justice, or related fields. Entry-level positions accept degrees or general experience. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in personnel security, industrial security, or security program management.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0080?
Yes, military security experience is highly valued. Security Forces, Intelligence, Military Police, and S-2/G-2 personnel have directly transferable skills. Experience with clearance processing, physical security, OPSEC, or information security translates directly. Veterans with TS/SCI clearances have significant advantages.
What is the career progression for Security Administration Specialist?
The career ladder follows GS-5/7/9/11/12/13 intervals. Entry-level specialists process clearances and conduct security reviews. GS-11/12 specialists manage programs and conduct investigations. GS-13/14/15 positions lead agency security programs. Many agencies have Security Officer positions at senior levels.
How do I apply for GS-0080 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Security Specialist' or '0080' series. Every federal agency has security positions. Your federal resume should detail clearance processing experience, NISPOM knowledge, physical security assessments, and any certifications. Maintain your security clearance during transition for maximum competitiveness.
Ready to Apply for GS-0080?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.