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Positions that advise on, administer, supervise, or perform work in the various human resources management functional areas including recruitment, classification, employee relations, labor relations, benefits, and workforce development.
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 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
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-0201
Individual Occupational Requirements: There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal human resources management 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-0201
HR management.
Direct HR translation. Highlight personnel management, records, and HR programs.
Direct translation to federal HR positions. OPM, DoD HR agencies, all federal agencies hire.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to plan and administer HR programs.
Skill in recruitment, assessment, and placement.
Knowledge of position classification and job analysis.
Ability to advise on conduct, performance, and discipline.
Skill in working with unions and labor agreements.
Knowledge of federal benefits programs.
Ability to interpret and apply HR laws and regulations.
Skill in providing HR guidance to managers.
Ability to analyze HR metrics and workforce data.
Proficiency in HR information systems.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0201 Human Resources Specialist performs HR functions including staffing, classification, employee relations, benefits administration, and workforce planning. These professionals manage the federal workforce at every agency, ensuring compliance with merit system principles.
HR Specialists earn between $42,679 (GS-7 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale following two-grade intervals. Most full-performance positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually plus locality adjustments.
GS-0201 positions require education and/or experience in human resources, business, or related fields. Entry-level positions (GS-5/7) accept relevant degrees or general experience. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in HR functions like staffing, classification, or employee relations.
Yes, military HR experience is highly valued. Personnel specialists (42A, PS, YN), career counselors, and those who worked in military HR offices have directly transferable skills. Experience with personnel actions, records management, and benefits administration translates directly to federal civilian HR.
The career ladder follows two-grade intervals (GS-5/7/9/11/12/13). Entry-level specialists learn HR fundamentals. GS-11/12 specialists handle complex cases independently. GS-13+ positions involve program management, policy development, and HR leadership roles.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Human Resources' or '0201' series. Every federal agency has HR positions. Your federal resume should detail specific HR functions performed, systems used (USA Staffing, eOPF), and knowledge of federal HR regulations. Military personnel experience translates well.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.