Civil Engineering
Performs professional civil engineering work in planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities.
💰GS-0810 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-0810
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.
🎖️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-0810
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal civil 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-0810
Combat Engineering Senior SGT
Civil engineer leader.
Civil Engineer Corps Officer
Civil engineering leadership.
Builder Supervisor
Civil engineer.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋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
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked 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?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.