Loading...
Loading...
Performs professional civil engineering work in planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities.
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-0810
Uses Professional Engineering Basic Requirements (GS-800 Series)
Option A - Degree: Engineering degree from ABET-accredited program in civil engineering or related field (structural, geotechnical, transportation, environmental, water resources engineering).
Option B - Combination: College-level education plus technical experience demonstrating thorough knowledge of physical/mathematical sciences underlying civil engineering.
Professional Registration: Registration as Professional Engineer (PE) is qualifying.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal civil engineering 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-0810
Civil engineer leader.
Civil engineer.
Civil engineering leadership.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to analyze structural loads and design safe structures.
Knowledge of soil mechanics and foundation design.
Understanding of highway and transportation design principles.
Knowledge of water resources and drainage systems.
Ability to manage construction projects and contracts.
Proficiency in engineering design software and tools.
Skill in preparing accurate construction cost estimates.
Knowledge of building codes and engineering standards.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0810 Civil Engineers design and manage infrastructure projects: roads, bridges, buildings, utilities, dams, and military facilities. They prepare plans and specifications, manage construction, conduct site investigations, and ensure code compliance. Major employers include Army Corps of Engineers, NAVFAC, Air Force, and DOT.
GS-0810 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-15 ($125,133-$162,672) for senior engineers and technical directors. Journeyman positions are GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422). Project managers and supervisors reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
A professional civil engineering degree (ABET-accredited) is mandatory—this is a positive education requirement. PE licensure enhances competitiveness and is often required for senior positions. Experience in structural, geotechnical, transportation, or hydraulic engineering needed for higher grades.
The engineering degree is mandatory, but military civil engineering experience is highly valued. Army Corps, Navy Civil Engineer Corps (Seabees), and Air Force civil engineers transition directly. Your project management, construction oversight, and field engineering experience complement required education perfectly.
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-11/12, senior engineers at GS-13, and technical directors at GS-14/15. PE licensure accelerates advancement. Army Corps of Engineers is the largest civil employer with positions nationwide. NAVFAC and Air Force also offer strong career paths.
Search USAJOBS for 'Civil Engineer.' Army Corps of Engineers, NAVFAC, and FHWA are major employers. Highlight your ABET degree, PE license if held, and specific discipline experience (structural, transportation, etc.). Veterans with engineering backgrounds are highly valued at Corps and NAVFAC.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.