Home / Federal careers / GS-0808
Architecture
Performs professional architectural work including design, planning, and oversight of building construction and renovation projects.
What GS-0808 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0808, as written.
Degree: architecture; or related field that included 60 semester hours of course work in architecture or related disciplines of which at least (1) 30 semester hours were in architectural design, and (2) 6 semester hours were in each of the following: structural technology, properties of materials and methods of construction, and environmental control systems.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the arts and sciences underlying professional architecture, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the architectural principles, methods, and techniques and their applications to the design and construction or improvement of buildings. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by at least one of the following:
• Related Curriculum: Degree in architectural engineering may be accepted as satisfying in full the basic requirements, provided the completed course work in architectural engineering provided knowledge, skills, and abilities substantially equivalent to those provided in the courses specified in paragraph A. The curriculum for a degree in either architecture or architectural engineering covers function, esthetics, site, structure, economics, mechanical-electrical, and other engineering problems related to the design and construction of buildings primarily (but not exclusively) intended to house human activities. The courses required for a degree in architecture generally place emphasis upon planning, esthetics, and materials and methods of construction, while the courses for an architectural engineering degree place equal or greater weight on the technical engineering aspects such as structural systems, mechanical systems, and the properties of materials. Because of this difference in emphasis, persons with degrees in architecture may have a preference for work assignments that offer greater opportunities for them to express their artistic and creative abilities. As a result, they may be more concerned with planning and design aspects of architecture, and persons with degrees in architectural engineering may be more engaged in aspects emphasizing technical engineering considerations.
• Experience: An applicant lacking a degree in architecture must have had l year of experience in an architect's office or in architectural work for each year short of graduation from a program of study in architecture. In the absence of college courses, 5 years of such experience is required. This experience must have demonstrated that the applicant has acquired a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional architecture.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-0808
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Technical Engineer
Architecture pathway. Engineering design.
Skills that carry over: Surveying, CAD, Drafting, Construction Design, Documentation.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Civil Engineer Corps Officer
Civil Engineer Corps Officers design and manage construction projects, directly translating to the architectural work in the GS-0808 series.
Skills that carry over: Technical Drawing, Building Codes, Construction Methods.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12.
Engineer Officer
Engineer Officers are involved in planning and overseeing construction projects, which aligns well with architectural design and project coordination.
Skills that carry over: Architectural Design, Project Coordination, Construction Methods.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Design buildings and facilities
- Prepare architectural drawings and specifications
- Review construction documents
- Coordinate with engineers and contractors
- Ensure compliance with building codes
- Manage architectural projects
Key competencies
Architectural Design
Skill in designing functional and aesthetically pleasing buildings.
Technical Drawing
Proficiency in preparing architectural drawings and specifications.
Building Codes
Knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, and accessibility requirements.
Construction Methods
Understanding of construction materials, methods, and techniques.
Project Coordination
Ability to coordinate with engineers, contractors, and clients.
Space Planning
Skill in analyzing and planning functional interior spaces.
Sustainable Design
Knowledge of green building practices and sustainable design principles.
Cost Estimation
Ability to estimate construction costs and prepare budgets.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0808
What is a federal Architect?
GS-0808 Architects design buildings, prepare architectural drawings and specifications, review construction documents, coordinate with engineers and contractors, ensure code compliance, and manage projects. They work for Army Corps, NAVFAC, GSA, VA, and agencies with significant construction programs.
How much does a federal Architect make?
GS-0808 positions range from GS-7 ($42,679) at entry to GS-14 ($106,382-$138,296) for senior architects and design managers. Most journeyman positions are GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422). Chiefs of architecture and program managers reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay.
What are the requirements for GS-0808 positions?
A professional architecture degree from a NAAB-accredited program OR equivalent combination of education and experience. Licensed architect (RA) preferred and often required for senior positions. Knowledge of building codes, construction methods, sustainable design, and project management is essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0808?
Partially. While an architecture degree is typically required, military construction experience complements education. Seabees, Army Corps, and engineers with architectural experience have relevant backgrounds. Your project management, construction oversight, and design experience translate to federal architecture positions.
What is the career progression for federal Architects?
Entry at GS-7/9 with progression to GS-11/12. Senior architects reach GS-12/13. Design managers and chiefs of architecture reach GS-13/14. RA licensure and LEED certification enhance advancement. Army Corps, NAVFAC, and GSA offer robust architecture career paths.
How do I apply for GS-0808 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Architect' or 'Architectural Designer.' Major employers include Army Corps of Engineers, NAVFAC, GSA, and VA. Highlight your architecture degree, licensure, project experience, and any LEED certification. Veterans with construction or design backgrounds are valuable candidates.
Ready to apply for GS-0808?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.