Home / Federal careers / GS-0620
Practical Nurse
Performs practical nursing work including basic patient care under supervision of registered nurses or physicians.
What GS-0620 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | $27,434 | $28,349 | $29,264 | $30,179 | $31,094 | $32,009 | $32,924 | $33,839 | $34,754 | $35,660 |
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0620, as written.
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0620 Practical Nurse
⚠️ IMPORTANT: This series is for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), NOT Registered Nurses. For RN positions, see Series 0610 (Nurse).
Licensure (Required for all grades): Must be licensed (or have applied for license) as a practical/vocational nurse in a U.S. State, territory, or D.C. Provisional appointments may be made pending licensure, but license must be obtained during probation.
Grade Requirements:
| Grade | Requirements |
|---|---|
| GS-3 | Licensure only (entry level for new LPNs) |
| GS-4 | Licensure + 6 months nursing experience OR qualifying education |
| GS-5+ | Licensure + 1 year experience at next lower grade |
GS-4 Education Alternatives:
- 9-month practical nursing program + 1 year nursing assistant experience
- 2-year degree in practical nursing from accredited institution
Why GS-3 Entry Level? LPNs/LVNs complete approximately 1 year of training (certificate program), compared to RNs who require 2-4 year degrees. The GS-3 entry level reflects this shorter training pathway while still requiring professional licensure.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-0620
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Aerospace Medical Technician
Strong match for 4N0s who pursue LPN licensure. Practical Nurse positions at VA and DOD facilities align directly with clinical care experience.
Skills that carry over: Patient assessment, Medication administration, Wound care, Patient education, Care coordination.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-6, GS-7.
Practical Nursing Specialist
Direct match. GS-0620 Practical Nurse is the federal equivalent of the 68C MOS. VHA is the largest employer. Positions at VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, and DoD civilian MTFs.
Skills that carry over: Patient care, Medication administration, IV therapy, Wound care, Vital signs assessment, EHR documentation, Patient education.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-6, GS-7.
Hospital Corpsman
Practical Nurse. Requires LPN licensure. HM clinical experience provides strong foundation. VA hospitals actively hire LPNs.
Skills that carry over: Patient assessment, Medication administration, Wound care, Clinical documentation, Patient advocacy.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-6, GS-7.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Provide basic patient care
- Monitor vital signs
- Assist with daily living activities
- Administer medications under supervision
- Document patient information
- Report changes in patient condition
Key competencies
Basic Nursing Care
Skill in providing fundamental nursing care under supervision.
Vital Signs Monitoring
Ability to accurately measure and record patient vital signs.
Medication Administration
Knowledge of authorized medication administration procedures.
Patient Observation
Skill in monitoring patient conditions and reporting changes.
Medical Equipment
Ability to operate specialized medical equipment safely.
Patient Comfort
Skill in assisting patients with activities of daily living.
Documentation
Ability to maintain accurate patient care records.
Communication
Skill in communicating effectively with patients and healthcare team members.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0620
What is a federal Practical Nurse?
GS-0620 Practical Nurses (LPNs/LVNs) provide basic nursing care under supervision of registered nurses or physicians. They monitor vital signs, assist with daily living, administer medications, document patient information, and report condition changes at VA hospitals, IHS clinics, and federal medical facilities.
How much does a federal Practical Nurse make?
GS-0620 positions range from GS-3 ($27,434) for entry to GS-7 ($42,679-$55,486) for senior LPNs. Most positions are GS-4 to GS-6 ($30,795-$49,927). VA may offer additional pay above base GS. Locality pay of 15-40% applies, plus excellent federal health and retirement benefits.
What are the requirements for GS-0620 positions?
Graduation from an approved practical or vocational nursing program AND current LPN/LVN license in a U.S. state or territory. Higher grades require specialized nursing experience. IV certification and medication administration credentials expand opportunities. No degree required—certificate programs qualify.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0620?
Military LPN training and experience directly qualifies. Your 68W (Combat Medic) or equivalent training may also qualify for entry-level positions with additional credentialing. Veterans with LPN/LVN licenses are highly valued at VA where understanding veteran health issues enhances patient care.
What is the career progression for Practical Nurses?
Entry at GS-3/4 with progression to GS-6/7. Many LPNs pursue RN education (often with VA tuition assistance) to transition to GS-0610 Registered Nurse positions at higher grades. Lead LPN positions and specialty units offer advancement within the series.
How do I apply for GS-0620 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Licensed Practical Nurse' or 'LPN.' VA hospitals and Community Living Centers are the largest employers. Also check IHS, BOP, and DoD civilian facilities. Emphasize your clinical experience and specialty training. Veterans with medical backgrounds have advantages at VA facilities.
Ready to apply for GS-0620?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.