Telecommunications Processing
Federal position processing telecommunications messages, managing communications systems, and ensuring secure transmission of official government communications at federal facilities.
💰GS-0390 Salary Information
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.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0390
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.
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%.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0390
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal telecommunications processing position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0390
Information Systems Technician
Navy ITs handle communications and secure message processing, aligning closely with the GS-0390 series duties.
Cyber Transport Systems
Air Force Cyber Transport specialists manage and secure communication networks, relevant to telecommunications processing.
Information Systems Technician
Coast Guard ITs manage telecommunications and secure communications, making them suitable for this GS series.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Process telecommunications
- •Operate communications systems
- •Maintain message logs
- •Ensure message security
- •Troubleshoot systems
🎯Key Competencies
Knowledge of telecommunications systems.
Accuracy in processing communications.
Proficiency with telecommunications equipment.
Ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
Understanding of communications security.
Dependability in maintaining communications flow.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
Grade information not available
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0390
What is a Telecommunications Processing Specialist?
GS-0390 Telecommunications Processing positions handle official government communications: processing messages, operating secure communications systems, maintaining message logs, and ensuring secure transmission of sensitive information. They work at military installations, intelligence agencies, and facilities requiring secure communications.
How much does a federal Telecommunications Processing Specialist make?
GS-0390 positions typically range from GS-3 ($27,434) to GS-7 ($42,679-$55,486). Most positions are GS-4 to GS-6 ($30,795-$49,927). Positions handling classified communications at secure facilities may reach GS-7/8. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
What are the requirements for GS-0390 positions?
At GS-4, you need 1 year of general experience or 2 years of education. Higher grades require specialized experience with telecommunications systems and message processing. Security clearance is typically required due to the sensitive nature of government communications.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0390?
Absolutely—this is prime territory for military communicators. Message center experience, COMSEC handling, tactical communications, or communications security work directly qualifies. Your existing security clearance and familiarity with secure communications protocols are major advantages.
What is the career progression for Telecommunications Processing?
Start at GS-3/4 with progression to GS-6/7. This leads naturally to Telecommunications Specialist (GS-0391) or IT Specialist (GS-2210) positions at higher grades. Security clearance and communications experience open doors to intelligence community and DoD positions.
How do I apply for GS-0390 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Telecommunications Processing' or 'Communications Specialist.' Positions are common at DoD installations, intelligence agencies, and secure facilities. Your military communications experience and security clearance are significant qualifications. Veterans with Signal or Comm MOSs are ideal candidates.
Ready to Apply for GS-0390?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.