Home / Federal careers / GS-1001
General Arts and Information
Performs arts and information work including visual arts, graphic design, and information presentation.
What GS-1001 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-1001, as written.
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- GS-5: 4-year course of study leading to bachelor's degree in arts, communications, or related field
- GS-7: 1 year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement
OR
Experience: General experience in arts, communications, public information, or related fields.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-1001
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Military Band Warrant
Band leadership.
Skills that carry over: Band Direction, Music Performance.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12.
Visual Information Chief
Public affairs visual media.
Skills that carry over: Visual Information, Media Production.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12.
Musician
GS-1001 General Arts and Information is the closest federal program series for career performers moving into arts administration, cultural programming, and public-facing creative work.
Skills that carry over: Arts program coordination, Public performance, Ensemble and event scheduling, Cultural programming.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Create visual materials
- Design graphics
- Develop informational content
- Manage visual programs
- Coordinate exhibitions
- Support communications
Key competencies
Program Development
Ability to develop and implement arts/information programs.
Content Creation
Skill in creating engaging content for various audiences.
Event Coordination
Ability to plan and execute cultural events and programs.
Communication
Skill in communicating information effectively.
Research
Ability to research arts, culture, and information topics.
Project Management
Skill in managing multiple projects and deadlines.
Stakeholder Engagement
Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and communities.
Creative Thinking
Ability to develop innovative approaches to arts and information.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-1001
What is a General Arts and Information Specialist?
GS-1001 positions cover arts and information work: visual arts programs, graphic design, information presentation, exhibitions, and cultural communications. This general series applies when work doesn't fit more specific series. They work at Smithsonian, National Parks, and agencies with public programs.
How much does a federal Arts and Information Specialist make?
GS-1001 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-12 ($75,706-$98,422) for program managers. Most positions are GS-7 to GS-11 ($42,679-$82,108). Add locality pay of 15-40% for metro areas like Washington, DC.
What are the requirements for GS-1001 positions?
At GS-5, you need a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized experience in arts administration, graphic design, or public information programs. Portfolio of work often required. Creativity and communication skills are essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1001?
Yes. Military public affairs, graphic design, visual communications, or MWR program experience qualifies. If you created visual materials, managed information programs, or coordinated events, that experience translates. Your communication and project management skills are valued.
What is the career progression for Arts and Information Specialists?
Entry at GS-5/7 with progression to GS-9/11. Program managers and senior specialists reach GS-11/12. Smithsonian, National Park Service, and cultural agencies offer career paths. Specialization in specific media or program types enhances advancement.
How do I apply for GS-1001 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Arts Specialist,' 'Visual Information Specialist,' or 'Program Specialist (Arts).' Smithsonian and NPS are major employers. Emphasize your creative portfolio, program management experience, and communication skills. Veterans with MWR or PAO backgrounds have applicable experience.
Ready to apply for GS-1001?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.