General Health Science
Performs professional health science work including research, analysis, and application of health science principles.
💰GS-0601 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 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
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-0601
Education
Bachelor’s or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
🎖️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.
- ⚠️Note: Degree required for this series.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0601
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal general health science 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-0601
Physical Therapy Specialist
GS-0601 General Health Science fits 68Fs moving toward broader health-program or coordination roles within VA and DoD facilities.
Respiratory Specialist
Licensed respiratory therapists (RRT) map directly into the GS-0601 General Health Science series at VA and DHA medical centers. This is the primary federal landing series for a 68V.
Public Health Specialist
Direct translation to health science roles. Highlight public health, disease surveillance, and health education.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Conduct health science research
- •Analyze health data and trends
- •Develop health programs and policies
- •Evaluate health interventions
- •Prepare scientific reports
- •Collaborate with health professionals
🎯Key Competencies
Knowledge of scientific methods and principles for conducting medical and healthcare research.
Ability to manage and coordinate healthcare programs and services.
Skill in analyzing medical data, research findings, and health statistics.
Experience managing grants within science and medical sectors.
Knowledge of healthcare regulations, standards, and compliance requirements.
Ability to communicate complex medical information to diverse audiences.
Capacity to identify and resolve issues in healthcare delivery and research.
Skill in working with medical professionals, researchers, and administrators.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0601
What is a Health Scientist?
A GS-0601 General Health Scientist conducts research and analysis on health-related issues for federal agencies. These professionals work at NIH, CDC, FDA, and VA advancing medical knowledge, disease prevention, and public health policy.
How much does a federal Health Scientist make?
Health Scientists earn between $42,679 (GS-7 Step 1) and $162,672 (GS-15 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually.
What are the requirements for GS-0601?
GS-0601 positions require education in health science, biology, or related fields. Higher grades require progressively more specialized research and analytical experience in public health or biomedical sciences.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0601?
Military experience cannot substitute for required health science education. However, veterans with health science degrees who served as medical service officers or in military health research have applicable experience.
What is the career progression for Health Scientist?
The career ladder follows GS-7/9/11/12/13/14/15 intervals. Entry-level scientists support research. Senior scientists lead programs and advise on health policy.
How do I apply for GS-0601 jobs?
Search USAJOBS.gov for Health Scientist or 0601 series. NIH, CDC, FDA, and VA are major employers. Your federal resume should detail research experience and health science expertise.
Ready to Apply for GS-0601?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.