Nurse
Performs professional nursing work including patient care, health assessment, and nursing management.
💰GS-0610 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 |
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-0610
Education
A graduate or higher level degree, bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required. This education must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
Degree from Foreign Nursing School: Official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools is required for individuals who graduated from foreign nursing schools.
Advanced Practice Nurse Positions: For Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) positions, applicants must possess a graduate or higher level degree in nursing from an accredited educational program in the area of expertise or specialty indicated by the position.
Areas of specialties for positions include, but are not limited to, Acute Care, Anesthesia, Community Health, Family, Geriatric, Home Health, Midwifery, Neonatal, Oncology, Pediatric, Psychiatric, Allergy and Immunology, Women’s Health, Cardiovascular, Dermatology, Occupational Health, Orthopedic, Respiratory, or other specialties identified for the position.
🎖️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-0610
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal nurse 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-0610
Army Nurse Corps Officer
Direct nursing translation. Highlight nursing care, patient management, and healthcare leadership.
Nurse Anesthetist
Specialized nursing translation. Highlight anesthesia, critical care, and advanced nursing.
Perioperative Nurse
Surgical nursing translation. Highlight perioperative care, surgical nursing, and patient safety.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Provide direct patient care
- •Assess patient health status
- •Develop and implement care plans
- •Administer medications and treatments
- •Educate patients and families
- •Coordinate with healthcare team
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to evaluate patient conditions through observation and examination.
Skill in providing comprehensive nursing care including treatments and procedures.
Knowledge of safe medication administration practices.
Ability to develop and implement individualized patient care plans.
Skill in teaching patients and families about health conditions and self-care.
Proficiency in maintaining accurate nursing records.
Ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies.
Knowledge of infection prevention and control practices.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0610
What is a federal Registered Nurse?
GS-0610 Nurses are registered nurses providing professional nursing care at federal facilities. They assess patients, develop care plans, administer medications, educate patients, and coordinate with healthcare teams. They work primarily at VA hospitals, IHS clinics, military treatment facilities, and federal prisons.
How much does a federal Nurse make?
GS-0610 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) for new graduates to GS-13 ($90,025-$117,034) for advanced practice nurses and managers. Most staff RN positions are GS-9/10/11 ($52,205-$82,108). VA uses Nurse Professional Standards Boards for pay—many earn above base GS. Locality pay and recruitment bonuses add significantly.
What are the requirements for GS-0610 positions?
Graduation from an accredited nursing program (BSN, ADN, or diploma) AND current, active RN license in a U.S. state or territory are mandatory. This is a positive education requirement—no substitution allowed. BSN is preferred and often required for advancement. Specialty certifications enhance competitiveness.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0610?
Your military nursing experience is highly valued, but the nursing degree and RN license are mandatory—no substitution. Military nurses transition seamlessly: your clinical experience, leadership, and understanding of veteran health issues make you ideal for VA positions. Many VA hospitals actively recruit separating military nurses.
What is the career progression for federal Nurses?
Entry at GS-5/7 for new grads, staff nurses at GS-9/10/11. Charge nurses and clinical leads reach GS-12. Nurse managers, educators, and advanced practice nurses reach GS-12/13. VA offers Nurse Professional Standards Boards for advancement. NP, CRNA, and CNS roles command highest compensation.
How do I apply for GS-0610 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Registered Nurse' or 'Staff Nurse.' VA is the largest employer of federal nurses. Also check IHS, BOP, and DoD civilian positions. Highlight your clinical specialty, certifications, and leadership experience. Veterans with RN credentials have priority at VA—your military nursing background is a significant advantage.
Ready to Apply for GS-0610?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.