Telecommunications
Manages telecommunications systems, networks, and services including voice, data, video, and wireless communications.
💰GS-0391 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 |
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-0391
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
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 |
🎖️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-0391
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal telecommunications 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-0391
Satellite Communications Operator-Maintainer
0627s map directly to GS-0391 Telecommunications. Operating and managing satellite circuits, link management, and terminal time qualify on experience alone.
Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer
25Qs map directly to GS-0391 Telecommunications. Tactical transmission engineering, link planning, and circuit management translate without friction at DISA, Army NETCOM, and DoDIN customers.
Spectrum Manager
Direct translation to telecommunications management.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Plan and implement telecommunications systems
- •Manage network infrastructure and services
- •Coordinate communications requirements
- •Oversee telecommunications contracts
- •Ensure network security and reliability
- •Evaluate emerging technologies
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0391
What is a Telecommunications Specialist?
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.
How much does a Telecommunications Specialist make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-0391?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0391?
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.
What is the career progression for Telecommunications Specialist?
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.
How do I apply for GS-0391 jobs?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-0391?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.