Home / Federal careers / GS-0180
Psychology
Performs professional psychology work including assessment, counseling, research, and program development.
What GS-0180 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-0180, as written.
Degree: major or equivalent in psychology for all specializations except clinical psychology and counseling psychology. These two specializations have additional educational requirements, as stated below:
• Clinical psychology: For positions at grades GS-11 and above, satisfactory completion of all the requirements for the doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology is required.
• Counseling psychology: For positions at grades GS-9 and above, satisfactory completion of 2 full academic years of graduate study directly related to professional work in counseling psychology, or satisfactory completion in an accredited educational institution of all the requirements for a master's degree directly related to counseling psychology is required.
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-0180
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
Research Psychology Officer
Research psychology. Highlight psychological research, data analysis, and program evaluation.
Skills that carry over: Psychological Research, Data Analysis, Program Evaluation, Assessment, Publication.
Usually opens at: GS-12, GS-13, GS-14.
Clinical Psychologist
Direct translation to psychology. Highlight psychological assessment, treatment, and counseling.
Skills that carry over: Psychological Assessment, Treatment, Counseling, Research, Program Development.
Usually opens at: GS-12, GS-13, GS-14.
Behavioral Health Officer
Behavioral health management. Highlight program management, mental health services, and policy.
Skills that carry over: Program Management, Mental Health Services, Policy, Training, Quality Improvement.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12, GS-13.
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 psychological assessments
- Provide counseling and therapy
- Develop psychological programs
- Conduct psychological research
- Prepare psychological reports
- Consult with other professionals
Key competencies
Psychological Assessment
Ability to administer and interpret psychological tests.
Research Methods
Knowledge of psychological research methodologies.
Clinical Skills
Skill in clinical interviewing and diagnosis (for clinical positions).
Statistical Analysis
Ability to analyze psychological data statistically.
Report Writing
Skill in preparing psychological reports and evaluations.
Ethics
Understanding of psychological ethics and professional standards.
Counseling
Ability to provide psychological counseling and intervention.
Program Evaluation
Skill in evaluating psychological programs.
Consultation
Ability to provide psychological consultation to organizations.
Evidence-Based Practice
Knowledge of evidence-based psychological treatments.
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-0180
What is a Federal Psychologist?
A GS-0180 Psychologist provides psychological services including assessment, therapy, research, and consultation for federal agencies. These professionals work at VA hospitals, military treatment facilities, federal prisons, and agencies requiring psychological expertise.
How much does a federal Psychologist make?
Federal Psychologists earn between $52,205 (GS-9 Step 1) and $162,672 (GS-15 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most clinical positions are GS-12/13/14, earning $75,706-$138,296 annually. VA psychologists may receive additional recruitment incentives.
What are the requirements for GS-0180 positions?
GS-0180 clinical positions require a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-accredited program plus licensure. Research positions may accept master's degrees. Higher grades require progressively more specialized clinical or research experience.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0180?
Military experience cannot substitute for the required psychology doctorate. However, military psychologists have directly transferable credentials. Veterans with psychology degrees who served in behavioral health roles have relevant clinical experience that supports qualification.
What is the career progression for Psychologist?
The career ladder follows GS-9/11/12/13/14/15 intervals. Entry-level psychologists complete internships. GS-12/13 psychologists provide independent clinical services. Senior positions involve program direction, specialty practice leadership, and research.
How do I apply for GS-0180 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Psychologist' or '0180' series. The VA is the largest employer. Your federal resume should detail clinical experience, licensure, specialty areas, and any research or publications. APA accreditation status is verified.
Ready to apply for GS-0180?
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.