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Performs public affairs work including media relations, public information, and communication strategy.
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 |
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-1035
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Experience in public affairs, public relations, journalism, or communications work.
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 public affairs 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-1035
Direct career path. Military PAO experience highly valued. Portfolio of work important.
Excellent preparation for federal public affairs. Broadcast and print experience valuable.
Direct translation to public affairs specialist.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to work effectively with news media and journalists.
Skill in preparing press releases, speeches, and communications.
Ability to develop and implement communication plans.
Skill in managing communications during emergencies.
Proficiency in managing social media platforms and content.
Ability to coordinate public events and press conferences.
Skill in building relationships with community partners.
Ability to craft clear, effective public messages.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-1035 Public Affairs Specialists manage agency communications: media relations, press releases, public events, social media, crisis communications, and strategic messaging. They work at virtually every federal agency advising leadership and communicating with the public and media.
GS-1035 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-14 ($106,382-$138,296) for senior PAOs and directors. Most journeyman positions are GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422). Public Affairs Directors reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay.
At GS-5, you need a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field OR equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized public affairs experience. Strong writing, media relations, and strategic communication skills essential.
Absolutely. Military Public Affairs experience (46-series, Mass Communication Specialist, Public Affairs) directly qualifies and is highly valued. Your experience with military media relations, command information, and community relations translates perfectly to federal civilian PAO positions.
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-9/11, senior PAOs at GS-12/13. Public Affairs Directors reach GS-13/14. Every major federal agency has PAO positions. DOD, VA, and agencies with significant public interaction offer the most opportunities.
Search USAJOBS for 'Public Affairs Specialist' or 'Public Information Officer.' Every federal agency hires PAOs. Highlight your media relations experience, writing portfolio, and crisis communication skills. Veterans with military PAO backgrounds have directly applicable qualifications.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.