Interior Design
Positions involving professional work in interior design including space planning and furniture systems.
💰GS-1008 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-1008
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in interior design, architecture, or related field
- Coursework should include interior design principles, space planning, materials, and building codes
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):
- 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.
🎖️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-1008
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal interior design 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-1008
Construction Engineering Supervisor
This role involves planning and overseeing construction projects, which includes space planning and coordination with architects, similar to interior design tasks.
Engineering Aid
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.
📋Typical Duties
- •Design interior spaces
- •Develop space plans
- •Select furnishings
- •Prepare design documents
- •Coordinate with architects
- •Ensure ADA compliance
- •Manage design projects
- •Present design concepts
- •Specify materials
- •Oversee installations
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1008
What is a federal Interior Designer?
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.
How much does a federal Interior Designer make?
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%.
What are the requirements for GS-1008 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1008?
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.
What is the career progression for Interior Designers?
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.
How do I apply for GS-1008 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-1008?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.