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Performs professional veterinary medical work including animal health, disease prevention, and veterinary research.
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 |
| 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-0701
Education (Basic - GS-11 entry): Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree from AVMA-accredited school. Foreign graduates must provide ECFVG certification, unrestricted state veterinary license (demonstrating NAVLE completion), or proof of educational equivalency. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or CAEL.
GS-12+:
Alternative Advanced Education:
Post-Graduate Training:
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal veterinary medical science 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-0701
Direct translation to veterinary science. Highlight veterinary medicine, food inspection, and animal health.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Expert knowledge of animal health, disease diagnosis, and treatment.
Skill in providing comprehensive veterinary care to animals.
Ability to investigate and control animal diseases.
Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and food safety principles.
Skill in using laboratory methods for disease diagnosis.
Understanding of veterinary regulations and inspection procedures.
Ability to conduct veterinary research and clinical studies.
Skill in communicating veterinary findings to stakeholders.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0701 Veterinarians provide professional veterinary medical care, diagnose diseases, perform surgeries, develop disease prevention programs, and conduct research. They work for USDA (food safety inspection), DOD (military working dogs), VA (research), USFWS (wildlife), and other agencies protecting animal and public health.
GS-0701 positions range from GS-11 ($63,163) to GS-15 ($125,133-$162,672). USDA food safety veterinarians typically start at GS-11/12. Senior veterinarians and specialists reach GS-13/14. Research scientists at NIH may reach GS-15. Recruitment bonuses and loan repayment programs add significant value.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited program is mandatory—this is a positive education requirement. Current, active veterinary license in a U.S. state or territory required. USDA accreditation needed for certain positions. Board certification for specialty roles.
The DVM and license are mandatory—no substitution. However, military veterinarian experience is highly valued. Army Veterinary Corps officers transition directly to federal positions. Your experience with military working dogs, food safety, and public health veterinary medicine translates directly to USDA, DOD, and VA roles.
Entry at GS-11/12, experienced veterinarians at GS-12/13, supervisory and specialist positions at GS-13/14. District managers and research leads reach GS-14/15. USDA offers the most positions, with career paths in food safety, import/export, and animal health. Specialization enhances advancement.
Search USAJOBS for 'Veterinarian' or 'Veterinary Medical Officer.' USDA FSIS has the most positions nationwide. Also check DOD (military working dogs), USFWS (wildlife), and VA (research). USDA offers loan repayment. Veterans with Veterinary Corps backgrounds have directly applicable experience.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.