Home / Federal careers / GS-0110
Economist
Federal economist position performing economic analysis, research, forecasting, and policy development for government agencies including Treasury, Commerce, Labor, and Federal Reserve.
What GS-0110 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-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 |
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-0110, as written.
Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
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-0110
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
Intelligence Officer
Navy Intelligence Officers conduct analyses and provide insights on economic conditions as part of their strategic assessments, which can translate to economic policy analysis.
Skills that carry over: Policy Analysis, Research Design, Economic Analysis.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11.
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 economic analyses
- Research economic trends
- Develop economic models
- Prepare economic reports
- Advise on economic policy
- Forecast economic conditions
Key competencies
Economic Analysis
Ability to analyze economic conditions, trends, and policies.
Quantitative Methods
Skill in econometrics, statistics, and mathematical modeling.
Research Design
Knowledge of economic research methodologies.
Policy Analysis
Ability to evaluate economic impacts of proposed policies.
Forecasting
Skill in developing economic forecasts and projections.
Data Analysis
Proficiency in analyzing large economic datasets.
Technical Writing
Ability to prepare economic reports and publications.
Presentation Skills
Skill in presenting economic findings to policymakers.
Software Proficiency
Knowledge of statistical and economic analysis software.
Critical Thinking
Ability to evaluate economic theories and evidence objectively.
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-0110
What is a Federal Economist?
A GS-0110 Economist performs economic analysis, research, forecasting, and policy development for federal agencies. These professionals analyze economic data, develop models, evaluate policy impacts, and advise leadership on economic matters at agencies including Treasury, Commerce, Labor, and the Federal Reserve.
How much does a federal Economist make?
Federal Economists earn between $52,205 (GS-9 Step 1) and $162,672 (GS-15 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-12/13/14, earning $75,706-$138,296 annually. Senior economists at GS-15 can exceed $125,000 base pay plus locality adjustments.
What are the requirements for GS-0110 positions?
GS-0110 positions require a degree in economics or 21 semester hours in economics and 3 hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in economic analysis, research, or policy development. Graduate degrees accelerate advancement.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0110?
For Economist positions, military experience cannot substitute for the required economics education. However, military analysts with economics degrees and experience in cost analysis, resource management, or defense economics have directly applicable backgrounds. The academic requirement must still be met.
What is the career progression for Economist?
The career ladder follows GS-9/11/12/13/14/15 intervals. Entry-level economists conduct research support. GS-12/13 economists lead analysis projects. GS-14/15 positions involve senior advisory roles and policy leadership. Ph.D. holders may enter at higher grades.
How do I apply for GS-0110 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Economist' or '0110' series. Major employers include BLS, Census, Treasury, Commerce, and Federal Reserve. Your federal resume should detail specific economic analysis experience, methodological expertise, and publications. Transcripts documenting economics coursework are required.
Ready to apply for GS-0110?
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.