Home / Federal careers / GS-0326
Office Automation Clerical and Assistance
Federal position performing office automation work including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and computer applications support at government agencies and federal offices.
What GS-0326 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0326, as written.
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.
Proficiency Requirements (from Group Coverage Standard): Office automation positions typically require typing proficiency of 40 words per minute. 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 | 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%.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-0326
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Yeoman
Coast Guard Yeomen handle administrative tasks, including document and file management, aligning well with the GS-0326 series.
Skills that carry over: Document creation, Spreadsheet management, Attention to detail.
Usually opens at: GS-6, GS-7.
Yeoman
Yeomen in the Navy handle clerical and administrative tasks, including document creation and management, directly aligning with the GS-0326 series.
Skills that carry over: Word processing, Spreadsheet management, Attention to detail.
Usually opens at: GS-6, GS-7.
Human Resources Specialist
Army Human Resources Specialists perform administrative tasks that align closely with office automation duties, making them well-suited for this GS series.
Skills that carry over: Document preparation, Data entry, Database management.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-7.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Create documents using office software
- Manage spreadsheets and databases
- Produce presentations
- Format reports and correspondence
- Maintain electronic files
- Support office automation
Key competencies
Computer Proficiency
Advanced skills with Microsoft Office or similar software.
Typing Speed
Accurate keyboarding at required speed.
Technical Aptitude
Ability to learn new software applications.
Problem Solving
Skill in resolving basic technical issues.
Attention to Detail
Accuracy in data entry and document preparation.
Adaptability
Flexibility in learning new technologies.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0326
What is an Office Automation Clerk?
A GS-0326 Office Automation Clerical specialist performs administrative support using computer systems and office automation software. These professionals create documents, manage databases, handle correspondence, and support office operations across federal agencies.
How much does an Office Automation Clerk make?
Office Automation Clerks earn between $27,434 (GS-3 Step 1) and $55,486 (GS-7 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-4/5/6, earning $30,795-$49,927 annually plus locality adjustments.
What are the requirements for GS-0326?
Entry-level positions require typing proficiency and basic computer skills. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience with office software, databases, and document management systems.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0326?
Yes, military administrative experience directly qualifies for these positions. Unit clerks, administrative specialists, and those who used military office systems have immediately transferable skills. Microsoft Office proficiency is essential.
What is the career progression for Office Automation Clerk?
Office Automation Clerks progress from GS-3/4 (entry) through GS-5/6/7 (senior). Many advance to GS-0318 Secretary or GS-0301 Administrative positions. Strong computer skills open pathways to IT support roles.
How do I apply for GS-0326 jobs?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Office Automation' or '0326' series. Every agency has these positions. Your federal resume should highlight software proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), typing speed, and document management experience.
Ready to apply for GS-0326?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.