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Performs professional pharmacy work including dispensing medications, drug therapy management, and patient counseling.
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.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0660
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:
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal pharmacist 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-0660
Pharmacy management. Highlight pharmacy operations, medication management, and clinical services.
Direct pharmacy experience. Highlight medication dispensing, inventory control, and patient education.
Weak connection. GS-0660 Pharmacist requires Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. 68Q technician training is not equivalent. Only for those pursuing pharmacy school.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.