Workforce Development
Federal position developing and managing workforce training programs, employment initiatives, and career development services for veterans, federal employees, and the public.
💰GS-0142 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 |
| 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 |
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-0142
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-0142
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal workforce development 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-0142
Recruiter
Army Recruiters develop and manage recruitment programs, which aligns well with workforce development roles.
Navy Counselor
Navy Counselors manage career development and training programs, similar to workforce development roles.
Career Planner
GS-0142 Workforce Development is the planning-and-policy series for retention and workforce-strategy roles, the program side of the CRS billet.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Develop workforce programs
- •Coordinate job training
- •Manage employment services
- •Evaluate program effectiveness
- •Partner with employers
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to administer workforce development programs.
Expert knowledge of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Skill in building partnerships with employers and educators.
Ability to analyze labor market information and trends.
Knowledge of training program design and evaluation.
Skill in managing workforce development grants.
Ability to track and report program outcomes.
Understanding of career pathway development.
Skill in serving job seekers and employers.
Ability to develop workforce policies and procedures.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
Grade information not available
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0142
What is a Workforce Development Specialist?
A GS-0142 Workforce Development Specialist develops and manages training programs, employment initiatives, and career services. These professionals help veterans, federal employees, and the public build skills and find employment through Department of Labor and other federal workforce programs.
How much does a Workforce Development Specialist make?
Workforce Development Specialists earn between $42,679 (GS-7 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-9/11/12, earning $52,205-$98,422 annually plus locality adjustments of 15-30%.
What are the requirements for GS-0142 positions?
GS-0142 positions require education and/or experience in workforce development, human resources, education, or career counseling. Entry-level positions accept relevant degrees or experience. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in program management and workforce initiatives.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0142?
Military experience with training programs, transition assistance, career counseling, or education services is directly applicable. Those who worked in military transition programs, education centers, or training commands have relevant experience. Veterans bring firsthand understanding of workforce transition challenges.
What is the career progression for Workforce Development Specialist?
The career ladder follows GS-7/9/11/12/13 intervals. Entry-level specialists support program delivery. GS-11/12 specialists manage programs and develop initiatives. Senior positions involve program direction, policy development, and oversight of workforce development systems.
How do I apply for GS-0142 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Workforce Development' or '0142' series. Department of Labor, VA, and state workforce agencies hire these specialists. Your federal resume should highlight training program experience, career counseling skills, and knowledge of workforce development systems.
Ready to Apply for GS-0142?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.