Industrial Engineering
Performs professional industrial engineering work in process improvement, operations research, and systems optimization.
💰GS-0896 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 |
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-0896
Industrial Engineering Basic Requirements
Uses Professional Engineering Basic Requirements (GS-800 Series)
Option A - Degree: Engineering degree from ABET-accredited program in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, systems engineering, or related field.
Option B - Combination: College-level education plus technical experience demonstrating thorough knowledge of industrial engineering sciences including operations research, ergonomics, production systems, quality 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-0896
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal industrial 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-0896
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers in the Air Force often work on facility layouts and process optimization, which are key components of industrial engineering.
Engineering Aid
Engineering Aids assist in planning and designing projects, which can translate to process improvement and production planning skills.
Engineering
Industrial Engineering positions match process improvement and workflow optimization experience from construction project management.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Analyze and improve operational processes
- •Conduct work measurement studies
- •Design facility layouts
- •Develop production standards
- •Implement lean/Six Sigma methodologies
- •Optimize resource utilization
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to analyze and improve production processes.
Knowledge of optimization and analytical methods.
Skill in developing quality control systems and standards.
Understanding of human factors and workplace design.
Ability to plan and schedule manufacturing operations.
Knowledge of lean principles and waste reduction.
Skill in analyzing production data and metrics.
Ability to manage industrial engineering projects.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0896
What is a federal Industrial Engineer?
GS-0896 Industrial Engineers improve operational processes, conduct work measurement studies, design facility layouts, develop production standards, and implement Lean/Six Sigma methodologies. They work at DOD depots, shipyards, manufacturing facilities, and agencies optimizing operations.
How much does a federal Industrial Engineer make?
GS-0896 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-14 ($106,382-$138,296) for senior engineers and program managers. Journeyman positions are GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422). Production managers reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay.
What are the requirements for GS-0896 positions?
A professional industrial engineering degree (ABET-accredited) is mandatory—positive education requirement. Experience in process improvement, operations research, or quality engineering needed for higher grades. Lean Six Sigma certification enhances competitiveness.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0896?
The engineering degree is mandatory, but military industrial engineering experience is highly valued. Logistics, manufacturing, depot maintenance, and production control engineers with degrees transition directly. Your process improvement and efficiency experience is invaluable.
What is the career progression for Industrial Engineers?
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-11/12, senior engineers at GS-12/13, and program managers at GS-13/14. Navy shipyards, Air Force depots, and Army manufacturing facilities offer strong industrial engineering career paths.
How do I apply for GS-0896 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Industrial Engineer' or 'Manufacturing Engineer.' Navy shipyards, Air Force depots, and DLA are major employers. Highlight your ABET degree, Lean Six Sigma certification, and process improvement accomplishments. Veterans with logistics/production backgrounds are valued.
Ready to Apply for GS-0896?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.