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Positions involving professional work in interior design including space planning and furniture 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-1008
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Professional experience in interior design demonstrating knowledge of design principles, space planning, and project management.
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):
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal interior design 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-1008
This role involves planning and overseeing construction projects, which includes space planning and coordination with architects, similar to interior design tasks.
Engineering Assistants are involved in drafting and planning for construction projects, which aligns with interior design tasks such as space planning and CAD software use.
Engineering Aids assist in the preparation of plans and specifications, which can translate to interior design tasks like developing space plans and preparing design documents.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to analyze and plan functional interior spaces.
Knowledge of interior design elements, color theory, and aesthetics.
Understanding of interior finishes, furniture, and fixtures.
Knowledge of accessibility requirements and building regulations.
Proficiency in computer-aided design software.
Ability to manage design projects from concept to completion.
Skill in understanding and meeting client needs.
Ability to prepare design budgets and specifications.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-1008 Interior Designers plan functional interior spaces, select furnishings, prepare design documents, ensure ADA compliance, and coordinate with architects. They work at GSA, VA, DOD, and agencies designing and renovating federal offices, hospitals, and facilities.
GS-1008 follows a two-grade interval: GS-5/7/9/11/12. Entry at GS-5 ($34,454), journeyman at GS-9/11 ($52,205-$82,108), senior designers at GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422). Design managers reach GS-12. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
A degree in interior design or related field OR equivalent experience. NCIDQ certification (Certified Interior Designer) strengthens applications. Knowledge of ADA requirements, building codes, CAD software, and furniture systems is essential. Portfolio typically required.
Partially. While a degree helps, military facilities management, space planning, or design experience provides relevant background. If you worked on base renovations, office layouts, or facility design, that experience complements formal training.
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-9/11, senior designers at GS-11/12. Supervisory and chief designer positions exist. GSA and VA offer the most interior design positions. NCIDQ certification and specialization in healthcare or federal workplace design enhance advancement.
Search USAJOBS for 'Interior Designer' or 'Space Planner.' GSA, VA, and military services are major employers. Highlight your design degree or certification, CAD proficiency, and ADA knowledge. Include portfolio samples. Veterans with facilities experience have relevant backgrounds.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.