Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant
Federal clerical position performing general administrative support including data entry, filing, mail processing, reception duties, and office operations at government agencies.
💰GS-0303 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-2 | $25,142 | $25,738 | $26,568 | $27,319 | $27,590 | $28,398 | $29,206 | $30,014 | $30,822 | $31,638 |
| GS-3 | $27,434 | $28,349 | $29,264 | $30,179 | $31,094 | $32,009 | $32,924 | $33,839 | $34,754 | $35,660 |
| GS-4 | $30,795 | $31,822 | $32,849 | $33,876 | $34,903 | $35,930 | $36,957 | $37,984 | $39,011 | $40,038 |
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-6 | $38,407 | $39,687 | $40,967 | $42,247 | $43,527 | $44,807 | $46,087 | $47,367 | $48,647 | $49,927 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
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-0303
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Clerical and Administrative Support Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements: There is no OPM qualification standard for this series. If a standard is needed to fill positions in this series, the employing agency should contact OPM for assistance.
Note: Agencies filling positions in Series 0303 should apply the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Clerical and Administrative Support Positions in conjunction with any individual requirements established by the hiring agency.
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school |
| GS-4 | 1 year | None | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4 years above high school |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Generally not applicable |
General Experience: Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.
Education: One year of full-time academic study equals 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or approximately 36 weeks at 20+ classroom hours per week. Education above high school is generally acceptable through GS-5; graduate education is rarely creditable above this level.
Combining Education and Experience: For grades GS-3 through GS-5, applicants may substitute education for experience. Express both as percentages; combined must equal at least 100%.
🎖️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-0303
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal miscellaneous clerk and assistant 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-0303
Administration
Direct path to Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant positions.
Aviation Resource Management
ARMS records-system operation maps directly to GS-0303 clerk and assistant work. Strong entry point at lower grades.
Fatality Management Specialist
Records and effects accountability map cleanly to GS-0303 Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant work, a common entry point into federal service for documentation-heavy backgrounds.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Perform general clerical duties
- •Process documents and correspondence
- •Maintain files and records
- •Enter data into systems
- •Answer phones and greet visitors
- •Provide administrative support
🎯Key Competencies
Proficiency in typing, filing, and office procedures.
Ability to use office software and information systems.
Skill in assisting and communicating with customers.
Accuracy in processing documents and data.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
Clear written and oral communication skills.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0303
What is a Miscellaneous Clerk?
A GS-0303 Miscellaneous Clerk performs general clerical duties that don't fit specific series. These positions handle filing, data entry, mail processing, and administrative support across federal agencies, providing essential office operations support.
How much does a federal Clerk make?
Miscellaneous Clerks earn between $25,142 (GS-2 Step 1) and $49,927 (GS-6 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-4/5, earning $30,795-$44,786 annually plus locality adjustments.
What are the requirements for GS-0303 positions?
Entry-level GS-2/3 positions require general experience or education. Higher grades require progressively more specialized clerical experience. Basic computer skills and attention to detail are essential at all levels.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0303?
Military clerical experience directly qualifies for these positions. Administrative specialists, unit clerks, and those who performed office duties have immediately transferable skills. Military experience with forms, filing, and data entry is directly applicable.
What is the career progression for Miscellaneous Clerk?
Clerks progress from GS-2/3 (entry) through GS-5/6/7 (senior). Many advance to specialized clerical series or GS-0301 Administrative positions. The clerk track provides foundation for administrative careers across federal government.
How do I apply for GS-0303 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Clerk' or '0303' series. Positions exist at every agency. Your federal resume should highlight clerical experience, computer skills, and ability to handle multiple tasks. Entry-level positions are good starting points for federal careers.
Ready to Apply for GS-0303?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.