Human Resources Management
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.
💰GS-0201 Salary Information
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.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0201
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
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):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
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.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0201
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal human resources management position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0201
Career Counselor
79S retention counseling, policy interpretation, and program management map directly onto the federal HR specialist standard. The strongest single target.
Personnel Specialist
Direct HR translation. Highlight personnel management, records, and HR programs.
Human Resources Specialist
Human Resources Management. The most direct federal match for 42As. Covers staffing, classification, employee relations, benefits administration, and workforce planning — all core 42A functions. Entry at GS-7/9 with Army HR experience.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Develop and implement HR policies and procedures
- •Manage recruitment and staffing processes
- •Conduct position classification and job analysis
- •Administer employee benefits programs
- •Provide guidance on employee and labor relations
- •Facilitate workforce planning and development
- •Process personnel actions and maintain records
- •Advise managers on HR matters and regulations
- •Conduct training and development programs
- •Ensure compliance with HR laws and regulations
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0201
What is a Human Resources Specialist?
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.
How much does a federal HR Specialist make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-0201 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0201?
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.
What is the career progression for Human Resources Specialist?
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.
How do I apply for GS-0201 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-0201?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.