Home / Federal careers / GS-0101
Social Science
Performs professional social science work including research, analysis, and application of social science theories and methods.
What GS-0101 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-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 |
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-0101, as written.
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
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-0101
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
Mental Health Service
GS-0101 Social Science covers behavioral-science program and analyst roles. Add education to qualify for the higher grades.
Skills that carry over: Standardized assessment, Behavioral observation, Data documentation, Program support.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Career Counselor
Social Science covers program and counseling positions where a bachelor's degree is in play, a fit for the counseling side of the 79S record.
Skills that carry over: Counseling, Program analysis, Interviewing, Behavioral assessment.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9.
Occupational Therapy Specialist
GS-0101 Social Science supports the functional-assessment and case-coordination side of rehabilitation services.
Skills that carry over: Functional assessment, Case coordination, Client interviewing, Outcome tracking.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9.
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
- Conduct social science research
- Analyze social data and trends
- Develop research methodologies
- Prepare research reports
- Apply social science theories
- Collaborate with other researchers
Key competencies
Research Methods
Knowledge of social science research methodologies.
Data Analysis
Skill in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.
Statistical Analysis
Ability to use statistical techniques and software.
Report Writing
Skill in preparing research reports and publications.
Literature Review
Ability to synthesize existing research and literature.
Survey Design
Knowledge of survey methodology and questionnaire design.
Program Evaluation
Skill in evaluating social programs and policies.
Critical Thinking
Ability to analyze complex social issues objectively.
Communication
Skill in presenting research findings to diverse audiences.
Ethical Research
Understanding of research ethics and human subjects protection.
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-0101
What is a Social Science Specialist?
A GS-0101 Social Scientist performs professional research and analysis applying social science theories and methods. These specialists work in sociology, political science, anthropology, and related disciplines to inform policy, evaluate programs, and understand human behavior for federal agencies.
How much does a federal Social Scientist make?
Social Scientists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most full-performance positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually. Senior researchers and program managers can reach GS-14/15 levels.
What are the requirements for GS-0101 positions?
GS-0101 positions require education and/or experience in social sciences. A bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours in social science qualifies for entry-level. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in research, analysis, or program evaluation using social science methods.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0101?
Military experience in intelligence analysis, civil affairs, psychological operations, or human terrain work provides relevant social science application. However, the academic coursework requirement means education typically cannot be fully substituted. Military experience combined with a social science degree is ideal.
What is the career progression for Social Science Specialist?
The career ladder follows GS-5/7/9/11/12/13/14 intervals. Entry-level specialists support research projects. GS-11/12 specialists lead studies and analysis. GS-13/14 positions involve program direction and senior research roles. Graduate degrees accelerate advancement.
How do I apply for GS-0101 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Social Scientist' or '0101' series. Positions exist at NIH, DOD, VA, and policy agencies. Your federal resume should detail research experience, analytical methods, publications, and specific social science expertise. Transcripts documenting coursework are typically required.
Ready to apply for GS-0101?
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.