Loading...
Loading...
Federal historian position performing historical research, analysis, documentation, and preservation work at archives, museums, military history offices, and federal agencies.
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-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 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0170
Degree: history; or related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history.
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in history, or a major in a related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal history position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target 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).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0170
Army Public Affairs Specialists often engage in historical research and documentation to support communication strategies, making them well-suited for historian roles.
Air Force Public Affairs Specialists often conduct research and create narratives, skills that are directly applicable to historian roles.
Marine Corps Public Affairs Officers are responsible for historical documentation and narrative creation, aligning well with historian duties.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to conduct original historical research.
Knowledge of archival methods and primary source analysis.
Skill in preparing historical reports and publications.
Ability to evaluate historical evidence objectively.
Expert knowledge of specific historical periods or topics.
Skill in conducting and transcribing oral history interviews.
Understanding of historical preservation principles.
Ability to present history to public audiences.
Skill in documenting historical resources and artifacts.
Knowledge of historiographical methods and debates.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0170 Historian researches, analyzes, and documents historical events for federal agencies. These professionals work at military history offices, National Archives, Smithsonian, National Park Service, and agency history programs preserving America's heritage.
Federal Historians earn between $52,205 (GS-9 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.
GS-0170 positions require 18 semester hours in history plus additional coursework in a related discipline. Graduate degrees are common for advancement. Higher grades require progressively more specialized research and publication experience.
Military experience cannot substitute for the required history education. However, military historians, those with military history degrees, and service members who documented unit histories have directly applicable backgrounds. Understanding military operations enriches historical research.
The career ladder follows GS-9/11/12/13/14 intervals. Entry-level historians conduct research support. GS-11/12 historians lead research projects. Senior positions involve directing historical programs, publishing, and advising leadership on historical matters.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Historian' or '0170' series. Major employers include military service history offices, National Archives, and NPS. Your federal resume should highlight research experience, publications, archival skills, and subject matter expertise.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.