Home / Federal careers / GS-0184
Sociology
Performs professional sociology work including research on social structures, behavior, and institutions.
What GS-0184 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-0184, as written.
Degree: sociology; or social psychology or political science that included at least 24 semester hours in sociology.
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in sociology (i.e., at least 24 semester hours), 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-0184
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.
Typical duties
- Conduct sociological research
- Analyze social data and trends
- Study social structures and institutions
- Develop research methodologies
- Prepare research reports
- Advise on social policy
Key competencies
Sociological Research
Ability to conduct sociological research and studies.
Data Analysis
Skill in analyzing social data using statistical methods.
Survey Design
Knowledge of survey methodology and sampling techniques.
Report Writing
Ability to prepare sociological reports and publications.
Program Evaluation
Skill in evaluating social programs and interventions.
Qualitative Methods
Knowledge of qualitative research methods.
Critical Analysis
Ability to analyze social phenomena objectively.
Communication
Skill in presenting research findings to diverse audiences.
Policy Analysis
Ability to analyze social policy implications.
Ethics
Understanding of research ethics and human subjects protection.
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-0184
What is a Sociologist?
A GS-0184 Sociologist studies social behavior, institutions, and organizations for federal agencies. These professionals conduct research, analyze social data, and advise on policies affecting communities, organizations, and populations served by federal programs.
How much does a federal Sociologist make?
Sociologists 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-0184 positions?
GS-0184 positions require 24 semester hours in sociology or closely related fields. Higher grades require progressively more specialized research and analytical experience in social science methods and theory.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0184?
Military experience cannot substitute for required sociology coursework. However, veterans with sociology degrees and experience in civil affairs, human terrain, or community relations have relevant applied backgrounds that complement academic qualifications.
What is the career progression for Sociologist?
The career ladder follows GS-5/7/9/11/12/13/14 intervals. Entry-level sociologists support research projects. GS-11/12 sociologists lead studies independently. Senior positions involve directing research programs and advising on social policy.
How do I apply for GS-0184 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Sociologist' or '0184' series. Positions exist at Census Bureau, NIH, and research agencies. Your federal resume should detail research experience, methodological skills, and publications. Transcripts documenting sociology coursework are required.
Ready to apply for GS-0184?
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.