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Performs professional health science work including research, analysis, and application of health science principles.
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.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0601
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal general health science position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target 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).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0601
Direct translation to health science roles. Highlight public health, disease surveillance, and health education.
Public health leadership. Highlight public health, program management, and policy.
Good fit for health science roles. Highlight disease surveillance, environmental health, and preventive medicine.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.