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Positions that involve technical work in maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing electronic equipment and systems.
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-0856
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0856:
Specialized Experience (GS-4 and above): Qualifying experience includes work as a technician, instructor, inspector, or mechanic demonstrating progression in theoretical and practical knowledge of electronic theory with hands-on duties in testing, troubleshooting, modifying, designing, calibrating, installing, maintaining, repairing, constructing, and instructing on electronic equipment. Alternatively, experience developing policies, standards, and procedures for maintenance, installation, or similar functions that demonstrates specialized knowledge of electronic systems.
Education and Training:
Alternate Standard: The Examining Guide for Electronics Mechanic (2604) applies when the position qualifies as Trade, Craft, or Labor Work under Technical Work in Engineering and Architecture Group 0800 standards.
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school |
| GS-4 | 6 months | 6 months | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4-year bachelor's degree |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Graduate education if directly related |
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal electronics technician 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-0856
Electronics leadership.
Direct electronics technician match.
Direct translation. Navy ET duties closely mirror GS-0856 Electronics Technician work: troubleshooting, repair, calibration of electronic systems. One of the cleanest Navy-to-federal transitions.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in diagnosing and repairing electronic equipment.
Proficiency in operating electronic test and measurement instruments.
Ability to read and interpret electronic schematics and diagrams.
Understanding of electronic circuit theory and principles.
Skill in soldering and assembling electronic components.
Knowledge of preventive and corrective maintenance procedures.
Ability to maintain accurate maintenance records and reports.
Understanding of electrical safety practices and procedures.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0856 Electronics Technicians maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electronic equipment and systems. They diagnose problems, replace components, calibrate instruments, and perform preventive maintenance on radar, communications, avionics, and test equipment at federal facilities.
GS-0856 follows a one-grade interval typically ranging from GS-5 ($34,454) to GS-12 ($75,706-$98,422). Most positions are GS-9 to GS-11 ($52,205-$82,108). Senior technicians and leads reach GS-11/12. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
At GS-5, you need 1 year of specialized experience or 4 years of education above high school. Higher grades require progressively responsible electronics maintenance experience. Ability to read schematics, use test equipment, and troubleshoot circuits is essential. Technical certifications help.
Absolutely. Military electronics technicians—Navy ETs, Fire Controlmen, Aviation Electronics Techs, Army electronic maintainers, Air Force avionics specialists—transition directly. Your hands-on troubleshooting, schematic reading, and test equipment skills are exactly what federal positions require.
Entry at GS-5/7 with progression to GS-11/12. Lead technicians and supervisors reach higher grades. Some pursue engineering degrees to transition to Electronics Engineer (GS-0855). Navy shipyards, Air Force depots, and Army depots offer strong electronics technician careers.
Search USAJOBS for 'Electronics Technician' or specific specialties like 'Radar Technician.' Navy, Air Force, and Army are major employers. Emphasize your military electronics training, systems experience, and maintenance certifications. Your military ET/AV rating experience is directly applicable.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.