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Positions involving work in occupational health and safety including hazard identification, exposure assessment, and control measures.
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-0690
The education must be accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
• A bachelor’s or graduate/higher level degree in industrial hygiene, occupational health sciences, occupational and environmental health, toxicology, safety sciences, or related science; or
• A bachelor’s degree in a branch of engineering, physical science, or life science that included 12 semester hours in chemistry, including organic chemistry, and 18 additional semester hours of courses in any combination of chemistry, physics, engineering, health physics, environmental health, biostatistics, biology, physiology, toxicology, epidemiology, or industrial hygiene; or
• Certification from the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (formerly American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH)).
Courses in the history or teaching of chemistry are not acceptable.__
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal industrial hygiene 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-0690
Requires bachelor's degree in industrial hygiene, chemistry, or related science. CBRN detection experience provides good foundation but academic credentials are mandatory.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to identify chemical, physical, and biological workplace hazards.
Skill in measuring and evaluating occupational exposures.
Ability to assess health risks and predict impacts on workers.
Skill in recommending engineering and administrative controls.
Knowledge of industrial hygiene sampling and analytical methods.
Understanding of OSHA standards and occupational health regulations.
Ability to develop occupational health and safety programs.
Skill in communicating technical findings and recommendations.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0690 Industrial Hygienists protect worker health by identifying, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards. They conduct exposure assessments, measure chemical/physical/biological hazards, recommend controls, develop safety programs, ensure OSHA compliance, and investigate occupational health issues at federal facilities.
GS-0690 follows a two-grade interval: GS-5/7/9/11/12/13. Entry at GS-5 ($34,454), journeyman at GS-11 ($63,163-$82,108), senior hygienists at GS-12/13 ($75,706-$117,034). OSHA area directors and regional specialists reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay.
A bachelor's degree in industrial hygiene, occupational health, chemistry, biology, or related science with appropriate coursework. CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) certification strengthens applications significantly. Experience with exposure assessment, sampling methods, and OSHA regulations is essential for higher grades.
Partially—a science degree is typically required, but military occupational health experience is highly valued. If you worked in safety, industrial hygiene, environmental health, or NBC defense, that experience complements required education. Veterans with science degrees and safety backgrounds are well-positioned.
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-9/11, senior hygienists at GS-12. Program managers and regional specialists reach GS-12/13. CIH certification accelerates advancement. OSHA, DOD, DOE, and VA offer strong industrial hygiene career paths with continuing education support.
Search USAJOBS for 'Industrial Hygienist' or 'Occupational Health Specialist.' Major employers include OSHA, DOD, DOE, and VA. Emphasize your exposure assessment experience, sampling skills, and any CIH certification. Veterans with NBC, safety, or environmental health backgrounds have relevant experience.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.