Home / Federal careers / GS-0401
General Biological Science
Performs professional biological science work including research, analysis, and application of biological principles.
What GS-0401 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-0401, as written.
Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
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-0401
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
Biomedical Science Officer
Biomedical research. Highlight research, laboratory science, and program management.
Skills that carry over: Research, Laboratory Science, Program Management, Data Analysis, Publication.
Usually opens at: GS-12, GS-13, GS-14.
Marine Science Technician
General Biological Science for environmental science focus.
Skills that carry over: Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Pollution Investigation.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Biomedical Sciences Corps Officer
Biomedical sciences. Highlight biomedical sciences, research, and healthcare support.
Skills that carry over: Biomedical Sciences, Research, Healthcare Support, Laboratory, Analysis.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12, GS-13.
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
- Conduct biological research and experiments
- Analyze biological data and specimens
- Prepare scientific reports and publications
- Develop research protocols
- Collaborate with other scientists
- Apply biological principles to solve problems
Key competencies
Scientific Knowledge
Understanding of biological principles and methods.
Research Skills
Ability to design and conduct biological studies.
Analytical Skills
Ability to analyze biological data.
Laboratory Techniques
Proficiency with biological research methods.
Written Communication
Skill in preparing scientific reports.
Problem Solving
Ability to address complex biological questions.
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-0401
What is a Biologist?
A GS-0401 General Biologist studies living organisms and their relationships to the environment. Federal biologists work at agencies like Fish & Wildlife Service, USDA, NIH, and EPA conducting research, managing natural resources, and developing science-based policies.
How much does a federal Biologist make?
General Biologists earn between $42,679 (GS-7 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 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-0401 positions?
GS-0401 positions require a bachelor's degree in biological science with specific coursework in biology (min 24 semester hours). Higher grades require progressively more specialized research or management experience in biological sciences.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0401?
Military experience cannot substitute for required biology education. However, veterans with biology degrees who served in environmental roles, CBRN, or natural resources management have applicable experience that complements academic credentials.
What is the career progression for Biologist?
The career ladder typically follows GS-7/9/11/12/13/14 intervals. Entry-level biologists conduct research support. GS-11/12 biologists lead studies independently. Senior biologists direct research programs and advise on scientific policy.
How do I apply for GS-0401 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Biologist' or '0401' series. Major employers include USFWS, Forest Service, USDA, and EPA. Your federal resume should detail research experience, fieldwork, and specialized biological expertise. Transcripts verifying coursework are required.
Ready to apply for GS-0401?
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.