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Performs professional anthropology work including research on human cultures, societies, and physical characteristics.
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 |
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-0190
Degree: appropriate field of anthropology.
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major, or a combination of courses totaling at least 24 semester hours in an appropriate field of anthropology, or related course work, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
OR
Experience: four years of appropriate experience in anthropology performing research, museum work, or similar professional-level work.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal general anthropology 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-0190
Human Intelligence Collectors gather and analyze information about human behavior and cultural practices, which aligns with anthropological research methods.
Intelligence Specialists analyze information and cultural data, which can be similar to anthropological analysis.
Fusion Analysts synthesize information from various sources, including cultural data, which is relevant to anthropological research.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to conduct anthropological field research.
Skill in analyzing cultural systems and practices.
Knowledge of ethnographic methods and documentation.
Ability to prepare anthropological reports and studies.
Understanding of cultural diversity and sensitivity.
Skill in collecting and preserving anthropological data.
Ability to synthesize anthropological literature.
Skill in conducting ethnographic interviews.
Knowledge of cultural resource preservation.
Understanding of anthropological ethics and informed consent.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0190 Anthropologist studies human cultures, societies, and biological development for federal agencies. Federal anthropologists work at Smithsonian, military commands, intelligence agencies, and land management agencies conducting cultural research.
Anthropologists 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.
GS-0190 positions require 24 semester hours in anthropology plus additional coursework in related social sciences. Higher grades require progressively more specialized research and fieldwork experience.
Military experience cannot substitute for required anthropology education. However, veterans with anthropology degrees who served in civil affairs, human terrain, or cultural advisor roles have directly applicable field experience.
The career ladder follows GS-5/7/9/11/12/13/14 intervals. Entry-level anthropologists conduct research support. GS-11/12 anthropologists lead studies independently. Senior anthropologists direct research programs and advise on cultural matters.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Anthropologist' or '0190' series. Positions exist at Smithsonian, Army, and land management agencies. Your federal resume should detail fieldwork, research projects, and cultural expertise. Transcripts are required.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.