Pharmacist
Performs professional pharmacy work including dispensing medications, drug therapy management, and patient counseling.
💰GS-0660 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-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 |
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-0660
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0660 Pharmacist
Basic Requirements (All Positions):
Education: A doctoral degree in Pharmacy that is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
Licensure (MANDATORY): Applicants must hold an active pharmacy license in a U.S. state, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
Experience: Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of medications' chemical, biological, and physical properties. Qualifying work includes:
- Dispensing medications
- Evaluating medication use patterns
- Performing pharmacy administration
- Planning medication programs
- Establishing handling procedures
- Researching clinical information
- Maintaining medication records
Medical Requirements: Applicants must be able to distinguish basic colors.
Grade-Level Specific Requirements:
| Grade | Requirements |
|---|---|
| GS-11 | 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, Ph.D., Pharm.D. or equivalent doctoral degree |
| GS-12 | GS-11 requirements plus minimum 1 year of professional pharmacy experience |
| GS-13+ | Licensure and educational requirements plus minimum 1 year of professional pharmacy experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level |
Special Note: Employees in this series as of September 2017 are considered to have satisfied basic position requirements.
🎖️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.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0660
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal pharmacist 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-0660
Pharmacy Officer
Pharmacy management. Highlight pharmacy operations, medication management, and clinical services.
Pharmacy Technician
Direct pharmacy experience. Highlight medication dispensing, inventory control, and patient education.
Pharmacy Specialist
GS-0660 Pharmacist is the professional series above you. Reachable after completing a PharmD using GI Bill benefits; your technician experience is a strong foundation.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Dispense prescription medications
- •Review drug therapy and interactions
- •Counsel patients on medications
- •Manage pharmacy operations
- •Ensure regulatory compliance
- •Collaborate with healthcare team
🎯Key Competencies
Expert knowledge of medications, drug interactions, and therapeutic effects.
Skill in accurately preparing and dispensing medications.
Ability to educate patients on medication use, side effects, and interactions.
Skill in evaluating medication therapy outcomes and adjusting recommendations.
Ability to research and provide accurate drug information to healthcare providers.
Knowledge of pharmaceutical inventory and storage requirements.
Understanding of pharmacy laws, regulations, and controlled substance requirements.
Skill in maintaining quality standards in pharmacy operations.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0660
What is a federal Pharmacist?
GS-0660 Pharmacists dispense medications, review drug therapy for interactions and appropriateness, counsel patients, manage pharmacy operations, and collaborate with healthcare teams. They work at VA hospitals, IHS clinics, military treatment facilities, BOP, and federal healthcare programs ensuring safe medication use.
How much does a federal Pharmacist make?
GS-0660 positions range from GS-11 ($63,163) for entry to GS-14 ($106,382-$138,296) for clinical specialists and managers. Most staff pharmacists are GS-12 ($75,706-$98,422). Chiefs of Pharmacy reach GS-13/14. VA offers additional special pay. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
What are the requirements for GS-0660 positions?
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE-accredited program AND current, active pharmacist license in a U.S. state or territory. PGY1 residency is increasingly expected for clinical positions. Board certification in specialties (BCPS, BCPP) strengthens applications.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0660?
The PharmD and license are mandatory requirements. However, military pharmacist experience is highly valued—your clinical skills, formulary management, and leadership experience transfer directly. Veterans with pharmacy credentials are particularly valued at VA where understanding veteran health issues enhances care.
What is the career progression for federal Pharmacists?
Entry at GS-11/12, staff pharmacists at GS-12, clinical specialists at GS-12/13, and pharmacy managers at GS-13/14. Chiefs of Pharmacy Services reach GS-14. VA offers robust pharmacy career ladders with clinical advancement opportunities in anticoagulation, mental health, and specialty areas.
How do I apply for GS-0660 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Pharmacist' or 'Clinical Pharmacist.' VA is the largest federal employer of pharmacists. Also check IHS (often with loan repayment), BOP, and DoD. Highlight your residency training, board certifications, and clinical specialties. Veterans with pharmacy backgrounds have significant advantages at VA.
Ready to Apply for GS-0660?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.