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Manages telecommunications systems, networks, and services including voice, data, video, and wireless communications.
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 |
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-0391
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- electrical or electronic engineering, mathematics, physics, public utilities, statistics, computer science, telecommunications management, information systems management, business administration, industrial management, or other fields related to the position to be filled.
Technical institute training in communications/electronics from an Armed Forces school with advanced instruction beyond basic courses may be substituted for general experience on a month-for-month basis.
OR
Experience:
GS-5 (General Experience): Experience that provided a basic knowledge of telecommunications functions, problems, and/or solutions.
Above GS-5 (Specialized Experience): Experience in evaluating, analyzing, developing, managing, or improving communications systems, procedures, and requirements that demonstrated knowledge of current developments and trends in communications concepts and technology.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
| Grade | Education | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's in electrical/electronic engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, telecommunications, or related | Basic knowledge of telecommunications functions |
| GS-7 | 1 year graduate education in telecommunications or related OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's in telecommunications or related | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. in telecommunications or related | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 |
| GS-12+ | N/A | 1 year specialized experience at next lower grade |
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal telecommunications 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-0391
Telecom senior.
Direct translation to federal telecom positions.
Direct translation to satellite telecom positions.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Understanding of telecom systems and technologies.
Ability to evaluate telecommunications requirements.
Skill in managing telecommunications projects.
Ability to resolve complex technical issues.
Skill in explaining technical concepts.
Ability to develop telecommunications strategies.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0391 Telecommunications Specialist plans, implements, and manages telecommunications systems for federal agencies. These professionals work with voice, data, video, and satellite communications ensuring reliable connectivity for government operations.
Telecommunications Specialists earn between $42,679 (GS-7 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually plus locality adjustments.
GS-0391 positions require education and/or experience in telecommunications, electronics, or IT. Entry-level positions accept relevant degrees or technical experience. Higher grades require progressively more specialized telecom systems experience.
Yes, military communications experience is highly valued. Signal Corps, Communications specialists, and those who managed tactical or strategic communications systems have directly transferable skills. Military certifications and systems experience translate well.
The career ladder typically follows GS-7/9/11/12/13 intervals. Entry-level specialists support telecom operations. GS-11/12 specialists manage systems and projects. Senior specialists direct agency-wide telecommunications programs.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Telecommunications' or '0391' series. Positions exist at DoD, DHS, and most agencies. Your federal resume should detail specific systems experience, certifications, and technical expertise. Security clearance may be required.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.