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Federal position providing stenographic, court reporting, and transcription services for hearings, meetings, and official proceedings at federal courts and 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-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-0312
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.
Proficiency Requirements (from Group Coverage Standard):
Applicants may demonstrate proficiency through performance testing, authorized certificates (valid 3 years), or self-certification (subject to agency verification).
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 | High school diploma (Clerk-Steno) |
| GS-4 | 1 year | None | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | 2 years (Clerk-Steno) | 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.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform successfully the duties of the position.
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 clerk-stenographer and reporter 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-0312
Yeomen are responsible for preparing official documents and maintaining records, which translates well to transcription and stenography duties.
Army Paralegal Specialists often take detailed notes during legal proceedings and prepare official documents, aligning well with the stenographer role.
Legal Services Specialists manage legal documentation and records, which is closely related to the tasks of a clerk-stenographer.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Proficiency in shorthand or machine stenography.
Skill in producing accurate written records.
Accuracy in capturing spoken words.
Rapid and accurate keyboarding ability.
Ability to maintain focus during lengthy proceedings.
Knowledge of specialized terminology.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Grade information not available
GS-0312 positions provide stenographic, court reporting, and transcription services for federal hearings, meetings, and official proceedings. They capture spoken words in real-time using shorthand or stenotype machines, then produce accurate written transcripts. These roles exist at federal courts, administrative hearings, and agency meetings requiring official records.
GS-0312 positions range from GS-3 ($27,434) for entry-level clerk-stenographers to GS-9+ ($52,205+) for experienced court reporters. Shorthand reporters at GS-6/7 earn $38,407-$55,486. Court reporters with 175+ wpm capability command higher grades. Add 15-40% locality pay for metro areas.
Speed and accuracy are mandatory: GS-3/4 requires 40 wpm typing plus 80 wpm dictation. GS-5 needs 120 wpm dictation. Court reporters at GS-6+ need 160-175 wpm dictation capability. You'll demonstrate proficiency through testing, certification, or verified self-certification.
Partially. While military admin experience helps meet general requirements, stenography is a specialized skill requiring specific training. If you learned shorthand, stenotype, or court reporting in the military or through training programs, that directly qualifies. Veterans with transcription experience have an advantage.
Entry at GS-3/4 progresses to GS-5/6 as skills increase. Court reporters can reach GS-9 or higher at federal courts. Many transition to Legal Administrative Specialist, Paralegal, or other legal support roles. The stenography skills also transfer to closed captioning and CART provider careers.
Search USAJOBS for 'Stenographer,' 'Court Reporter,' or 'Shorthand Reporter.' Positions are concentrated at federal courts, DOJ, and agencies with administrative hearing functions. Be prepared to demonstrate your speed through testing. Certifications from NCRA or state court reporting associations strengthen your application.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.