Home / Federal careers / GS-0810
Civil Engineering
Performs professional civil engineering work in planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities.
What GS-0810 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-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 |
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-0810, as written.
Civil Engineering Basic Requirements
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.
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.
- This series carries a positive education requirement: a degree is required and experience cannot be substituted for it.
How to qualify for GS-0810
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
Combat Engineering Senior SGT
Civil engineer leader.
Skills that carry over: Combat Engineering, Construction.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12.
Civil Engineer Corps Officer
Civil engineering leadership.
Skills that carry over: Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Leadership, Planning.
Usually opens at: GS-12, GS-13, GS-14.
Builder Supervisor
Civil engineer.
Skills that carry over: Construction Supervision, Project Management.
Usually opens at: GS-10, 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 infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, utilities)
- Prepare engineering plans and specifications
- Manage construction projects
- Conduct site investigations and surveys
- Ensure compliance with engineering standards
- Review contractor submittals
Key competencies
Structural Analysis
Ability to analyze structural loads and design safe structures.
Geotechnical Engineering
Knowledge of soil mechanics and foundation design.
Transportation Engineering
Understanding of highway and transportation design principles.
Hydraulic Engineering
Knowledge of water resources and drainage systems.
Construction Management
Ability to manage construction projects and contracts.
CAD/Design Software
Proficiency in engineering design software and tools.
Cost Estimation
Skill in preparing accurate construction cost estimates.
Technical Standards
Knowledge of building codes and engineering standards.
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-0810
What is a federal Civil Engineer?
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.
How much does a federal Civil Engineer make?
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%.
What are the requirements for GS-0810 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0810?
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.
What is the career progression for Civil Engineers?
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.
How do I apply for GS-0810 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to apply for GS-0810?
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.