Loading...
Loading...
Performs security administration work including personnel security, physical security, and security program management.
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.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0080
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):
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal security administration position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target 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).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0080
Direct translation to security administration positions.
Direct path to federal Information Security roles. COMSEC experience especially valued.
Strong alignment. Security Administration positions value IS security experience. Good alternative path within cleared federal workforce.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.