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Federal secretarial position providing executive administrative support including scheduling, correspondence, meeting coordination, and office management for government officials and programs.
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-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 |
| GS-8 | $47,265 | $48,841 | $50,417 | $51,993 | $53,569 | $55,145 | $56,721 | $58,297 | $59,873 | $61,449 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
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-0318
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 should use the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Clerical and Administrative Support Positions in conjunction with any agency-specific requirements. Agencies have flexibility in establishing their own requirements, provided they align with the applicable group standard.
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.
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 secretary 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-0318
Strong alignment. Secretary positions value YN administrative experience and correspondence skills.
Secretary series values admin skills.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Proficiency in office management procedures.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Superior ability to manage schedules and priorities.
Skill in handling confidential information.
Advanced skills with office software.
Ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0318 Secretary provides administrative support including correspondence, scheduling, travel arrangements, and office management. Federal secretaries work across all agencies supporting executives, managers, and office operations with essential administrative functions.
Federal Secretaries earn between $30,795 (GS-4 Step 1) and $67,865 (GS-9 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-6/7/8, earning $38,407-$61,449 annually plus locality adjustments.
Entry-level GS-4/5 positions require general clerical experience or relevant education. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience supporting executives, managing complex calendars, and handling sensitive information. Typing proficiency is typically required.
Military experience as unit clerk, orderly room NCO, administrative specialist, or executive assistant directly qualifies for Secretary positions. Experience managing correspondence, calendars, travel orders, and supporting commanders demonstrates required competencies.
Secretaries progress from GS-4/5 (entry) through GS-6/7/8/9 (senior/executive assistant). Many advance to GS-0301 Administrative Specialist positions. Executive Secretary roles supporting senior officials offer highest grade potential within the series.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Secretary' or '0318' series. Every federal agency has secretary positions. Your federal resume should detail specific administrative experience, software proficiency (Microsoft Office), and level of executives supported. Highlight accuracy and discretion.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.