Home / Federal careers / GS-0085
Security Guard
Performs security guard work including access control, patrol, and protection of property and personnel.
What GS-0085 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | $27,434 | $28,349 | $29,264 | $30,179 | $31,094 | $32,009 | $32,924 | $33,839 | $34,754 | $35,660 |
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0085, as written.
Security Guard Series Requirements
Education:
- GS-4: 2 years of education above high school
- GS-5: 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree
OR
Experience:
- GS-4: 6 months of general experience AND 6 months of specialized experience, OR 1 year of general experience
- GS-5: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4
Special Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen (for most positions)
- Must pass background investigation appropriate to the security sensitivity of the position
- Must meet physical requirements including ability to stand for extended periods
- May require ability to qualify with firearms for armed positions
- May require valid driver's license
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-0085
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Military Police
Direct transfer of physical security, access control, and force protection skills
Skills that carry over: Physical Security, Access Control, Patrol Operations, Threat Assessment.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-6, GS-7.
Physical Security Specialist
Security guard supervisor roles.
Skills that carry over: security operations, supervision, planning, assessment.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9.
Infantryman
Security Guard. Entry-level federal security positions. Physical security at federal buildings, installations, and facilities. Stepping stone to GS-0080 or GS-0083.
Skills that carry over: Physical security, Access control, Patrol operations, Emergency response, Incident reporting.
Usually opens at: GS-3, GS-4, GS-5, GS-6.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Control access to facilities
- Patrol assigned areas
- Monitor security systems
- Respond to incidents
- Document security events
- Provide customer service
Key competencies
Access Control
Ability to control entry to facilities and verify credentials.
Patrol Duties
Skill in conducting security patrols and inspections.
Observation
Ability to detect unusual activities and security breaches.
Emergency Response
Knowledge of emergency procedures and evacuation protocols.
Report Writing
Skill in preparing security incident reports.
Customer Service
Ability to assist visitors while maintaining security.
Equipment Operation
Skill in using security systems and monitoring equipment.
Communication
Ability to communicate clearly via radio and telephone.
Physical Security
Knowledge of locks, alarms, and access control systems.
First Aid
Basic knowledge of first aid and emergency response.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0085
What is a Federal Security Guard?
A GS-0085 Security Guard protects federal facilities, personnel, and property through access control, patrol, and surveillance. Security Guards work at federal buildings, military installations, VA hospitals, and government facilities, controlling entry points and responding to security incidents.
How much does a federal Security Guard make?
Security Guards earn between $27,434 (GS-3 Step 1) and $49,927 (GS-6 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-4/5/6, earning $30,795-$49,927 annually. Shift differentials and locality pay can increase total compensation by 15-30%.
What are the requirements for GS-0085 positions?
Entry-level GS-3/4 positions require general experience or relevant training. Higher grades need progressively more specialized experience in access control, patrol procedures, and security operations. Candidates must pass background checks and may need security clearances depending on the facility.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0085?
Yes, military experience is ideal for Security Guard positions. Security Forces, Military Police, Sentries, and gate guards have directly applicable experience. Any military experience with access control, patrol, or facility security qualifies. Veterans often enter at GS-4 or higher based on their background.
What is the career progression for Security Guard?
Security Guards progress from GS-3/4 (entry) through GS-5/6/7 (senior/lead). Many guards advance to GS-0080 Security Specialist positions or GS-0083 Police Officer roles with additional training. The security field offers multiple pathways for career advancement.
How do I apply for GS-0085 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Security Guard' or '0085' series. Positions exist at virtually every federal facility. Your federal resume should highlight access control experience, patrol duties, emergency response, and any security certifications. Veterans receive hiring preference, and military security experience is directly applicable.
Ready to apply for GS-0085?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.