Budget Clerical and Technician
Performs budget support work including budget tracking, data entry, and financial administrative support.
💰GS-0561 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-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 |
| GS-8 | $47,265 | $48,841 | $50,417 | $51,993 | $53,569 | $55,145 | $56,721 | $58,297 | $59,873 | $61,449 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
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-0561
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Clerical and Administrative Support Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements: There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
Note: In all positions in this occupation, the ability to work accurately with figures is required.
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. Education above high school is generally acceptable through GS-5.
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-0561
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal budget clerical and technician 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-0561
Financial Management Technician
Good entry point. GS-0561 Budget Clerical and Technician positions handle budget data entry, fund tracking, and routine budget reporting — duties that junior 36Bs perform daily.
Personnel/Administrative Chief
GS-0561 Budget Clerical and Technician is adjacent for chiefs who handled unit pay, funds, and budget tracking.
Finance Technician
GS-0561 Budget Clerical and Technician is the technician entry point for budget work, a clean adjacent match to disbursing and pay accounting.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Track budget expenditures
- •Enter budget data
- •Prepare budget reports
- •Maintain budget records
- •Process budget documents
- •Support budget analysts
🎯Key Competencies
Skill in monitoring budget execution.
Accuracy in processing budget documents.
Proficiency with budget software.
Ability to perform budget calculations.
Skill in managing budget records.
Ability to respond to budget inquiries.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0561
What is a Budget Clerk or Technician?
GS-0561 Budget Clerks and Technicians track expenditures, enter budget data, prepare reports, maintain records, and support budget analysts. They monitor spending against allocations and ensure accurate financial tracking at every federal agency managing taxpayer funds.
How much does a federal Budget Technician make?
GS-0561 positions range from GS-4 ($30,795) to GS-9 ($52,205-$67,865). Most positions are GS-5 to GS-7 ($34,454-$55,486). Senior technicians and lead positions reach GS-8/9. Add locality pay of 15-40% for metro areas.
What are the requirements for GS-0561 positions?
At GS-4, you need 1 year of general clerical experience or 2 years of education above high school. Higher grades require specialized budget tracking experience. Math aptitude, proficiency with budget software (Excel, financial systems), and attention to detail are essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0561?
Yes. Military budget, finance, or resource management experience directly qualifies. If you tracked unit spending, prepared budget reports, or managed operational funds, that experience translates directly. S-4/resource management experience is particularly relevant.
What is the career progression for Budget Technicians?
Entry at GS-4/5 with progression to GS-7/8/9. This is an excellent stepping stone to Budget Analyst (GS-0560) positions at GS-9/11/12. Strong technicians who demonstrate analytical skills often transition to professional budget analyst careers.
How do I apply for GS-0561 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Budget Technician' or 'Budget Assistant.' Positions exist at virtually every federal agency. Emphasize your budget tracking experience, spreadsheet proficiency, and analytical skills. Veterans with resource management experience are strong candidates.
Ready to Apply for GS-0561?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.