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Positions that involve technical work in medical laboratories performing diagnostic tests and procedures.
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-0645
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0645:
Specialized Experience (GS-4 and above): Technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations including chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking duties, or equivalent work in related fields applying comparable methods and techniques.
Education and Training Pathways:
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school or training program |
| GS-4 | 6 months | 6 months | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4-year bachelor's degree |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Graduate education if directly related |
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal medical technician 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-0645
Medical technician with cardiac focus.
Medical Technician series. VA hospitals and military treatment facilities.
Medical technician for surgical support.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in performing laboratory tests in chemistry, microbiology, hematology, and blood banking.
Ability to properly collect, process, and store biological specimens.
Skill in operating laboratory equipment and instruments.
Knowledge of quality control procedures in laboratory testing.
Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
Knowledge of laboratory safety and infection control protocols.
Skill in providing technical support to medical technologists.
Ability to accurately enter and retrieve laboratory data.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0645 Medical Technicians perform technical laboratory work: collecting and processing specimens, conducting diagnostic tests, operating lab equipment, and maintaining quality control. They support Medical Technologists with testing in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and blood banking at federal medical laboratories.
GS-0645 follows a one-grade interval pattern with positions typically ranging from GS-4 ($30,795) to GS-8 ($47,265-$61,449). Most positions are GS-5 to GS-7 ($34,454-$55,486). Senior technicians and lead positions reach GS-7/8. Add locality pay and federal benefits.
At GS-4, you need 1 year of general experience or 2 years of education above high school. Higher grades require specialized laboratory experience. MLT certification (ASCP or equivalent) strengthens applications significantly. Knowledge of specimen handling, laboratory safety, and quality control is essential.
Yes. Military laboratory technician training and experience (68K, Hospital Lab Tech) directly qualifies. Your specimen collection, test procedures, and quality control experience translates directly. Veterans with medical laboratory backgrounds are valued at VA labs—your training is directly applicable.
Entry at GS-4/5 with progression to GS-7/8. Many technicians pursue bachelor's degrees and certification to advance to Medical Technologist (GS-0644) at higher grades. Lead technician and specialized positions offer advancement within the series. VA often provides education benefits to support career growth.
Search USAJOBS for 'Medical Technician' or 'Laboratory Technician.' VA hospitals and clinics are the largest employers. Also check DoD laboratories and IHS facilities. Emphasize your laboratory experience, certifications, and attention to quality control. Veterans with medical lab training have directly applicable skills.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.