Illustrating
Performs illustrating work including technical illustration, scientific illustration, and visual communication.
💰GS-1020 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 |
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-1020
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in art, illustration, graphic design, or related field
- Portfolio demonstrating illustration skills
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):
- 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-1020
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal illustrating 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-1020
Combat Graphics/Camera Production Specialist
GS-1020 Illustrating is the closest match for 4512s whose strength is original illustration, infographics, and technical art rather than layout production.
Combat Photographer
GS-1020 Illustrating covers visual production and graphic work that a 4541 portfolio supports. A solid adjacent target alongside the visual information series.
Mass Communications Specialist
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.
📋Typical Duties
- •Create technical illustrations
- •Develop scientific visuals
- •Design graphics
- •Produce visual aids
- •Support publications
- •Manage illustration projects
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1020
What is a federal Illustrator?
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.
How much does a federal Illustrator make?
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%.
What are the requirements for GS-1020 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1020?
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.
What is the career progression for Illustrators?
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.
How do I apply for GS-1020 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-1020?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.