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Federal clerical position performing general administrative support including data entry, filing, mail processing, reception duties, and office operations at government agencies.
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.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0303
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%.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal miscellaneous clerk and assistant 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-0303
Administrative leadership pathway.
Direct admin translation. Highlight administration, correspondence, and office management.
Direct translation to clerical roles. Highlight office administration, correspondence, and records management.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.