Electronics Technician
Positions that involve technical work in maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing electronic equipment and systems.
💰GS-0856 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-0856
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Technical and Medical Support Positions
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:
- GS-4: Completion of 2 years of study including at least 12 semester hours in engineering, physical science, technology, or mathematics, with minimum 6 semester hours in electronics courses.
- GS-5: One of the following: (a) Completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electronics technology; (b) 3 years in an ABET-accredited electronics curriculum; (c) Full 4-year bachelor's degree with 24+ semester hours in relevant courses (minimum 12 in electronics)
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 |
🎖️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.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0856
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal electronics technician 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-0856
Radar, Airfield and Weather Systems (RAWS)
GS-0856 Electronics Technician is the most direct match. The FAA and DoD depots staff thousands of these positions on the same ILS, radar, and navaid equipment RAWS techs maintained.
Electro-Optical Ordnance Repairer
GS-0856 Electronics Technician is the standard non-degree technical series and a common landing spot, usually GS-7 through GS-11.
Radar Systems Technician
Direct electronics technician match.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Troubleshoot electronic equipment
- •Repair and maintain systems
- •Install electronic components
- •Conduct diagnostic tests
- •Read and interpret schematics
- •Calibrate electronic instruments
- •Document maintenance activities
- •Order and track parts
- •Train users on equipment
- •Perform preventive maintenance
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0856
What is an Electronics Technician?
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.
How much does a federal Electronics Technician make?
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%.
What are the requirements for GS-0856 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0856?
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.
What is the career progression for Electronics Technicians?
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.
How do I apply for GS-0856 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-0856?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.