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Performs illustrating work including technical illustration, scientific illustration, and visual communication.
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 |
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-1020
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Professional experience creating illustrations for publications, exhibits, or other media.
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 illustrating 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-1020
Match for MCs with strong illustration and graphics skills. Portfolio documentation important.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Proficiency in freehand drawing and sketching.
Skill in using digital illustration software.
Ability to convey information through visual imagery.
Skill in creating accurate technical and scientific illustrations.
Understanding of color principles and application.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and similar tools.
Ability to create precise, accurate illustrations.
Skill in working with writers, editors, and subject matter experts.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-1020 Illustrators create technical and scientific illustrations, visual aids, graphics, and visual communications. They support publications, training materials, and public information at agencies requiring specialized visual content—medical illustration at NIH/VA, technical illustration at NASA/DOD.
GS-1020 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-12 ($75,706-$98,422) for senior illustrators. Most positions are GS-7 to GS-11 ($42,679-$82,108). Lead illustrators reach GS-11/12. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
At GS-5, you need a degree in illustration, fine arts, or graphic design OR equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized illustration experience. Portfolio demonstrating technical/scientific illustration skills essential. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and digital tools required.
Yes. Military graphic design, visual communications, or illustration experience qualifies. If you created technical manuals, training illustrations, or visual aids, that experience translates directly. Your experience with military technical illustration standards is valuable.
Entry at GS-5/7 with progression to GS-9/11. Senior illustrators and art directors reach GS-11/12. Specialization in medical, technical, or scientific illustration enhances advancement. NIH, VA, NASA, and DOD offer illustration career paths.
Search USAJOBS for 'Illustrator' or 'Visual Information Specialist.' NIH, VA, NASA, and DOD are employers. A strong portfolio is essential—highlight technical accuracy and digital skills. Veterans with military graphic arts experience have directly applicable backgrounds.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.