Safety Engineering
Positions involving professional engineering work in safety including system safety, accident prevention, and hazard analysis.
💰GS-0803 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-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.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0803
Safety Engineering Basic Requirements
Uses Professional Engineering Basic Requirements (GS-800 Series)
Option A - Degree: Engineering degree from ABET-accredited program, OR degree in safety engineering, industrial safety, or related field with coursework in engineering, physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
Option B - Combination: College-level education plus technical experience demonstrating thorough knowledge of physical/mathematical sciences underlying engineering and understanding of safety engineering principles.
Professional Registration: Registration as Professional Engineer (PE) is qualifying.
🎖️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.
- ⚠️Note: Degree required for this series.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0803
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal safety engineering 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-0803
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician
GS-0803 Safety Engineering values the technical risk-engineering side of EOD work for ammunition-plant and ordnance-program safety roles.
Damage Controlman
Strong match. DCs conduct shipboard safety assessments — fire hazard surveys, watertight integrity inspections, and ventilation system evaluations. They evaluate structural fire boundaries and recommend engineering solutions. NAVFAC, NAVSEA, and shipyard safety engineering positions leverage this background directly.
Aircrew Egress Systems
GS-0803 Safety Engineering suits egress veterans who pursue the system-safety path, designing hazards out of life-critical systems.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Conduct safety analyses
- •Design safety systems
- •Investigate accidents
- •Develop safety standards
- •Review engineering designs
- •Perform hazard analyses
- •Recommend safety improvements
- •Manage safety programs
- •Train personnel
- •Ensure regulatory compliance
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to identify and evaluate workplace and system hazards.
Skill in analyzing risks and determining probability and severity of hazards.
Ability to develop comprehensive safety programs and procedures.
Skill in investigating accidents and identifying root causes.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety standards.
Ability to conduct system safety analyses and fault tree analyses.
Skill in preparing safety reports and presenting findings.
Ability to develop and deliver safety training programs.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0803
What is a Safety Engineer?
GS-0803 Safety Engineers apply engineering principles to prevent accidents and protect workers. They conduct hazard analyses, design safety systems, investigate accidents, develop safety standards, review designs for safety, and manage safety programs. They work at DOD, DOE, NASA, OSHA, and agencies with significant safety risks.
How much does a federal Safety Engineer make?
GS-0803 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 engineers at GS-12/13 ($75,706-$117,034). Program managers reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
What are the requirements for GS-0803 positions?
A professional engineering degree (ABET-accredited) is mandatory—this is a positive education requirement. CSP (Certified Safety Professional) certification strengthens applications. Experience with hazard analysis, system safety, OSHA regulations, and accident investigation is essential for higher grades.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0803?
The engineering degree is mandatory, but military safety experience is highly valued. Explosive ordnance, aviation safety, system safety, and weapons safety officers transition well. Your experience with hazard analysis, safety programs, and accident investigation complements required education.
What is the career progression for Safety Engineers?
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-9/11, senior engineers at GS-12. Safety program managers and chief safety officers reach GS-13/14. CSP certification accelerates advancement. DOD, DOE, and NASA offer strong safety engineering career paths with specialization in system safety and explosives safety.
How do I apply for GS-0803 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Safety Engineer' or 'System Safety Engineer.' Major employers include DOD (especially ammunition and aviation), DOE, NASA, and OSHA. Highlight your engineering degree, CSP certification, and safety analysis experience. Veterans with explosive safety or aviation safety backgrounds are well-positioned.
Ready to Apply for GS-0803?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.