Home / Federal careers / GS-0647
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
Federal healthcare position performing diagnostic radiologic procedures including X-ray imaging, CT scans, and related diagnostic imaging services at VA hospitals and federal medical facilities.
What GS-0647 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-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 |
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-0647, as written.
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Individual Occupational Requirements
Certification Required: Must meet federal credentialing standards per Public Law 97-35 and 42 CFR Part 75. Must complete accredited educational program and obtain certification as radiographer.
Education:
- GS-3: 1 year study with 6+ semester hours in anatomy, biology, radiation physics, physiology, pathology, medical terminology, or related courses
- GS-4: Full-time 12-month post-high school radiography training program
- GS-5: Full-time 24-month post-high school radiography training program
OR
Experience (GS-4+): Practical experience operating diagnostic radiology equipment under radiologist supervision to produce radiographic studies used in medical diagnosis and treatment.
Military Training: Radiologic technician training counts month-for-month toward experience requirements.
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-0647
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
Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist series. High demand in VA system.
Skills that carry over: X-Ray, CT Scan, MRI, Patient Positioning, Radiation Safety.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-10.
Nuclear Medicine Technician
Diagnostic radiologic pathway.
Skills that carry over: Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Safety, Patient Care, Equipment Operation, Documentation.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11.
MRI Technician
Diagnostic radiologic pathway.
Skills that carry over: MRI Operations, Patient Care, Image Quality, Safety, Documentation.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11.
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
- Perform diagnostic X-ray procedures
- Position patients for imaging
- Operate radiologic equipment
- Ensure radiation safety
- Process and evaluate images
- Maintain equipment and supplies
Key competencies
Radiographic Imaging
Skill in producing diagnostic quality radiographic images.
Equipment Operation
Proficiency in operating diagnostic radiology equipment safely.
Patient Positioning
Ability to position patients correctly for various radiographic procedures.
Radiation Safety
Knowledge of radiation protection principles and safety protocols.
Image Quality
Skill in evaluating radiographic image quality and making adjustments.
Anatomy Knowledge
Understanding of human anatomy as it relates to radiographic imaging.
Patient Care
Ability to provide appropriate care and communication with patients during procedures.
Documentation
Skill in maintaining accurate radiological records and documentation.
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-0647
What is a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist?
GS-0647 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists perform X-ray, CT, and other diagnostic imaging procedures at federal medical facilities. They position patients, operate radiologic equipment, ensure radiation safety, process images, and maintain equipment. They work primarily at VA hospitals, military treatment facilities, and IHS clinics.
How much does a federal Radiologic Technologist make?
GS-0647 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) for entry to GS-11 ($63,163-$82,108) for senior technologists and leads. Most journeyman positions are GS-7 to GS-9 ($42,679-$67,865). CT and specialty modality technologists often reach higher grades. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
What are the requirements for GS-0647 positions?
Graduation from an accredited radiologic technology program AND ARRT certification (or state license in states requiring licensure). CPR certification required. Experience with CT, mammography, or other modalities strengthens applications. Knowledge of radiation safety protocols is essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0647?
Military radiologic technologist training and certification (68P Radiology Specialist or equivalent) directly qualifies. Your ARRT certification and clinical experience transfer seamlessly. Veterans with radiology backgrounds are highly valued at VA, where understanding veteran health issues enhances patient care.
What is the career progression for Radiologic Technologists?
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-9, and senior technologists at GS-11. Lead and supervisory positions reach GS-11. Specialization in CT, MRI, mammography, or interventional radiology offers advancement. Some transition to Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Specialist or supervisory roles.
How do I apply for GS-0647 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Radiologic Technologist' or 'X-Ray Technician.' VA hospitals are the largest employer. Also check DoD and IHS facilities. Highlight your ARRT certification, modality experience, and any specialty credentials. Veterans with radiology MOSs have directly applicable qualifications.
Ready to apply for GS-0647?
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.