Home / Federal careers / GS-0356
Data Transcriber
Federal position transcribing data from source documents into automated systems, databases, and information management platforms for federal agencies and government programs.
What GS-0356 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-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 |
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-0356, 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): Data Transcriber positions typically require keyboarding proficiency at required speed (varies by position and agency requirements). 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-0356
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
Administration
Air Force Administration personnel perform data entry and maintain records, which are key components of a data transcriber role.
Skills that carry over: Rapid Data Entry, Attention to Detail, Computer Proficiency, Data Verification, Record Keeping.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-7.
Yeoman
Yeomen handle administrative and clerical duties, including data entry and document management, making them suitable for data transcription roles.
Skills that carry over: Keyboarding, Attention to Detail, Computer Skills, Data Management, Document Processing.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-7.
Administrative Specialist
Administrative Specialists in the Marine Corps are tasked with data entry and document management, aligning closely with data transcription duties.
Skills that carry over: Keyboarding, Attention to Detail, Data Entry, Document Management, Quality Control.
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
- Enter data into systems
- Verify data accuracy
- Transcribe source documents
- Maintain data quality
- Process high-volume data
Key competencies
Keyboarding
Rapid and accurate data entry skills.
Attention to Detail
High accuracy in transcribing information.
Concentration
Ability to maintain focus during repetitive tasks.
Computer Skills
Proficiency with data entry systems.
Quality Control
Skill in verifying data accuracy.
Productivity
Ability to meet volume and accuracy standards.
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-0356
What is a federal Data Transcriber?
GS-0356 Data Transcribers enter data from source documents into computer systems, databases, and information platforms. They transcribe forms, applications, records, and other documents with high accuracy and speed. Critical for agencies processing high volumes of applications, claims, or records.
How much does a federal Data Transcriber make?
GS-0356 positions typically range from GS-2 ($25,142) to GS-5 ($34,454-$44,786). Most positions are GS-3 to GS-4 ($27,434-$40,038). High-volume production environments may offer GS-5/6. Add locality pay of 15-40% in metro areas.
What are the requirements for GS-0356 positions?
Keyboarding speed and accuracy are critical—agencies set specific requirements (often 40+ wpm with high accuracy). At GS-3, you need 6 months of general experience. You'll demonstrate speed through testing or certification. Concentration and attention to detail are essential qualities.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0356?
Yes. Any military data entry, administrative, or records processing experience qualifies. If you entered personnel data, processed logistics information, or maintained databases, highlight that experience. Your demonstrated ability to work accurately with high-volume data is exactly what they need.
What is the career progression for Data Transcribers?
Start at GS-2/3 with progression to GS-4/5. Many use this as an entry point to federal service, then move to Program Support Assistant, Computer Clerk, or other administrative positions. Data quality experience can lead to data management or database administration careers.
How do I apply for GS-0356 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Data Transcriber' or 'Data Entry.' Positions are common at agencies with high-volume data processing: SSA, VA, IRS, USCIS. Be prepared to demonstrate your keyboarding speed and accuracy. Veterans preference applies to these competitive entry-level positions.
Ready to apply for GS-0356?
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.