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Positions that involve professional medical work requiring a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree and medical licensure.
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 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
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-0602
Degree: Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or equivalent from a school in the United States or Canada. This degree must have been accredited by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association; Association of American Medical Colleges; Liaison Committee on Medical Education; Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
Degree from Foreign Medical School: A Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree from a foreign medical school must provide education and medical knowledge equivalent to accredited schools in the United States. Evidence of equivalency to accredited schools in the United States is demonstrated by permanent certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, a fifth pathway certificate for Americans who completed premedical education in the United States and graduate education in a foreign country, or successful completion of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal medical officer 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-0602
Military medicine. Highlight medical practice, leadership, and healthcare management.
Military medicine. Highlight medical practice, leadership, and healthcare management.
Military medicine. Highlight medical practice, leadership, and operational medicine.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Expert knowledge of medical diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
Ability to evaluate symptoms and determine appropriate treatment plans.
Skill in providing compassionate, comprehensive healthcare to patients.
Proficiency in performing medical examinations and procedures.
Knowledge of medications, dosages, and drug interactions.
Understanding of ethical principles in healthcare practice.
Ability to maintain accurate medical records and documentation.
Skill in working with healthcare teams to coordinate patient care.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0602 Medical Officers are licensed physicians (MD or DO) providing clinical care, diagnosis, treatment, and medical leadership at federal facilities. They work at VA hospitals, IHS clinics, military treatment facilities, CDC, FDA, and other agencies requiring physician expertise.
GS-0602 base pay starts around GS-13 ($90,025) and reaches GS-15 ($125,133-$162,672). However, most physician positions use special pay scales—VA physicians earn $100,000-$400,000+ depending on specialty. Recruitment bonuses, loan repayment, and benefits significantly increase total compensation.
Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited school is mandatory. Current, unrestricted medical license in a U.S. state or territory required. Board certification or eligibility in relevant specialty is typically required. Completed residency training is standard.
Military physicians have direct pathway. Your medical training, residency, board certification, and clinical experience transfer completely. Many separating military physicians find excellent opportunities at VA hospitals where their veteran understanding enhances patient care. Active credentials are required.
Entry depends on experience and specialty. Career physicians advance through clinical leadership, department chiefs, CMO positions, and executive roles. VA offers Title 38 physician tracks with competitive pay. CDC and FDA offer public health and regulatory medicine career paths.
Search USAJOBS for 'Physician' or specific specialties. VA is the largest federal employer of physicians. Also check IHS for underserved area positions with loan repayment. Highlight your clinical experience, board certification, and any leadership roles. Veterans with medical credentials are highly valued.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.