Home / Federal careers / GS-0150
Geography
Federal geographer position performing geographic analysis, cartography, spatial research, and geospatial intelligence work for federal agencies including USGS, NGA, and Census Bureau.
What GS-0150 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-0150, as written.
Degree: geography; or related physical or social science such as geology, meteorology, economics, statistics, sociology, anthropology, political science, history, cartography, computer science, urban studies, or planning that included at least 24 semester hours in geography or related fields.
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in geography, or a related field that included at least 24 semester hours in geography or related fields, 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-0150
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
Geospatial Engineer
GS-0150 Geography fits 12Ys with broader geographic analysis depth. Common at USGS, BLM, EPA, and NOAA. Specialized experience substitutes for degree at GS-9 and GS-11 levels in most postings.
Skills that carry over: Geographic analysis, Spatial reasoning, Environmental assessment, GIS production, Field data collection.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11, GS-12.
Geospatial Intelligence Specialist
Geography series - perfect alignment with GEOINT work.
Skills that carry over: geography, GIS, cartography, spatial analysis.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11, GS-12.
Imagery Analysis Specialist
Geography series values geospatial and imagery skills.
Skills that carry over: geospatial analysis, mapping, imagery interpretation, GIS.
Usually opens at: GS-7, 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 geographic analyses
- Create maps and visualizations
- Research spatial patterns
- Apply GIS technologies
- Prepare geographic reports
- Advise on geographic matters
Key competencies
Geographic Analysis
Ability to analyze spatial patterns and relationships.
GIS Proficiency
Expert knowledge of geographic information systems.
Cartography
Skill in creating maps and geographic visualizations.
Remote Sensing
Knowledge of satellite imagery analysis and interpretation.
Spatial Statistics
Ability to apply statistical methods to geographic data.
Data Management
Skill in managing large geospatial datasets.
Research Methods
Knowledge of geographic research methodologies.
Technical Writing
Ability to prepare geographic reports and documentation.
Field Work
Skill in conducting geographic fieldwork and data collection.
Software Proficiency
Knowledge of GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.).
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-0150
What is a Geographer?
A GS-0150 Geographer studies spatial relationships, mapping, and geographic information systems for federal agencies. These professionals analyze geographic data, create maps, support land management decisions, and apply geospatial technology at agencies including USGS, Census Bureau, and intelligence agencies.
How much does a federal Geographer make?
Geographers earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually plus locality adjustments.
What are the requirements for GS-0150 positions?
GS-0150 positions require education and/or experience in geography, cartography, or GIS. A degree with 24 semester hours in geography or related coursework qualifies for entry-level. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in geospatial analysis.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0150?
Military experience with geospatial intelligence, mapping, terrain analysis, or GIS systems is directly applicable. Those who worked with NGA products, tactical mapping, or imagery analysis have transferable skills. Combined with geography education, military geospatial experience is highly valued.
What is the career progression for Geographer?
The career ladder follows GS-5/7/9/11/12/13/14 intervals. Entry-level geographers support mapping and analysis. GS-11/12 geographers lead geospatial projects. Senior positions involve program management and technical leadership in geographic information systems.
How do I apply for GS-0150 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Geographer' or '0150' series. Major employers include USGS, Census Bureau, and NGA. Your federal resume should highlight GIS software proficiency (ArcGIS, QGIS), cartographic experience, and spatial analysis skills.
Ready to apply for GS-0150?
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.