Chemical Engineering
Performs professional chemical engineering work in process design, chemical reactions, and materials processing.
💰GS-0893 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-0893
Chemical Engineering Basic Requirements
Uses Professional Engineering Basic Requirements (GS-800 Series)
Option A - Degree: Engineering degree from ABET-accredited program in chemical engineering or related field (process engineering, materials engineering, biochemical engineering).
Option B - Combination: College-level education plus technical experience demonstrating thorough knowledge of chemical engineering sciences including thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction engineering, process design.
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-0893
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal chemical 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-0893
Engineering Aid
Engineering Aids in the Navy work on a variety of engineering projects, including chemical processes, making them well-suited for chemical engineering roles.
Emergency Management
Experience in emergency management involves understanding chemical hazards and safety protocols, which are relevant to chemical engineering processes.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist
While primarily focused on ordnance, EOD specialists have a solid foundation in chemical safety and hazard analysis, which is applicable to chemical engineering roles.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Design chemical processes and systems
- •Analyze chemical reactions and materials
- •Develop process specifications
- •Conduct process optimization
- •Ensure safety and environmental compliance
- •Manage chemical engineering projects
🎯Key Competencies
Skill in designing chemical processes and production systems.
Knowledge of chemical reaction kinetics and reactor design.
Understanding of heat, mass, and momentum transfer.
Ability to design and implement process control systems.
Knowledge of chemical safety and hazard analysis.
Understanding of material properties and selection.
Knowledge of environmental regulations for chemical processes.
Ability to maintain product quality and process specifications.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0893
What is a federal Chemical Engineer?
GS-0893 Chemical Engineers design chemical processes, analyze reactions and materials, develop process specifications, and ensure safety and environmental compliance. They work at DOE (nuclear processing), DOD (munitions), EPA, FDA, and agencies with chemical processing operations.
How much does a federal Chemical Engineer make?
GS-0893 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-15 ($125,133-$162,672) for senior engineers. Journeyman positions are GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422). Project leads and program managers reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
What are the requirements for GS-0893 positions?
A professional chemical engineering degree (ABET-accredited) is mandatory—positive education requirement. Experience in process design, reaction engineering, or materials processing needed for higher grades. PE licensure preferred for senior positions.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0893?
The engineering degree is mandatory, but military chemical engineering experience is highly valued. Engineers who worked with propellants, explosives, CBRN, or fuel systems with degrees transition well. Your process knowledge and security clearance are significant advantages.
What is the career progression for Chemical Engineers?
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-11/12, senior engineers at GS-13, and technical directors at GS-14/15. DOE national laboratories and Army/Navy munitions facilities offer strong chemical engineering career paths.
How do I apply for GS-0893 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Chemical Engineer.' DOE national labs, Army/Navy munitions, and EPA are major employers. Highlight your ABET degree, process design experience, and any hazardous materials knowledge. Veterans with chemical/NBC backgrounds are well-positioned.
Ready to Apply for GS-0893?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.