Home / Federal careers / GS-0394
Communications Clerical
Performs communications support work including message processing, dispatch, and communications administrative support.
What GS-0394 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-0394, 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.
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-0394
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
Field Radio Operator
Communications Clerical. Communications center operations, message routing, and equipment management. Entry-level federal communications positions that lead to advancement in the 0391/0392 series.
Skills that carry over: Message handling, Equipment operation, Communications logging, Records management.
Usually opens at: GS-4, GS-5, GS-7.
Radio Operator-Maintainer
Communications clerical support. Message handling and dispatch operations.
Skills that carry over: Communications, Message Handling, Dispatch, Operations Support.
Usually opens at: GS-4, GS-5, GS-6.
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
- Process communications
- Operate communications equipment
- Dispatch messages
- Maintain logs
- Support communications operations
- Respond to inquiries
Key competencies
Administrative Skills
Proficiency in clerical support procedures.
Computer Skills
Ability to use telecommunications databases.
Attention to Detail
Accuracy in processing orders and records.
Communication
Clear written and verbal communication.
Organization
Ability to manage records and tracking systems.
Customer Service
Skill in assisting users with service requests.
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-0394
What is a Communications Clerk?
GS-0394 Communications Clerks provide administrative support for telecommunications operations. They process service requests, dispatch messages, maintain communications logs, operate equipment, and assist users with telecom services. They're the administrative backbone supporting agency communications infrastructure.
How much does a federal Communications Clerk make?
GS-0394 positions 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). Lead or supervisory positions may reach GS-7. Add locality pay of 15-40% for metro areas.
What are the requirements for GS-0394 positions?
At GS-3, you need 6 months of general clerical experience or 1 year of education above high school. Higher grades require specialized experience in communications support, message processing, or telecom administration. Computer proficiency and attention to detail are essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0394?
Yes. Military experience in message centers, communications support, dispatch operations, or administrative roles qualifies. If you processed communications, maintained logs, or supported tactical or garrison communications operations, that experience directly translates.
What is the career progression for Communications Clerks?
Entry at GS-3/4 with progression to GS-6/7. This is a stepping stone to Telecommunications Specialist (GS-0392), IT Specialist (GS-2210), or administrative specialist roles. Gaining technical knowledge while in this role positions you for higher-graded specialist positions.
How do I apply for GS-0394 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Communications Clerk' or 'Telecommunications Clerk.' Positions exist at agencies with significant communications infrastructure, particularly DoD installations. Emphasize your administrative skills, communications experience, and attention to detail. Veterans preference applies.
Ready to apply for GS-0394?
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.