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Federal linguist position performing translation, interpretation, language analysis, and linguistic support for intelligence agencies, State Department, and federal law enforcement.
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-1040
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Professional experience in translation, interpretation, or language analysis demonstrating fluency in target language(s).
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 language specialist 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-1040
Direct language specialist pathway. Airborne SIGINT linguistics.
Direct translation to language specialist. Highlight interpretation, translation, and cultural expertise.
Strong alignment. Language Specialist positions directly value CTI linguistic skills. DLPT scores critical for qualification. NSA and intelligence agencies recruit CTIs with high proficiency.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
High-level proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
Ability to translate written materials accurately and idiomatically.
Skill in providing oral interpretation in real-time settings.
Understanding of cultures associated with target languages.
Ability to produce clear written translations and original content.
Skill in using language resources and reference materials.
Understanding of specialized terminology in relevant fields.
Ability to communicate effectively in both source and target languages.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-1040 Language Specialists translate documents, provide interpretation, analyze foreign language materials, and support operations requiring linguistic expertise. They work at intelligence agencies (NSA, CIA, DIA), State Department, FBI, and agencies requiring foreign language capabilities.
GS-1040 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-14 ($106,382-$138,296) for senior linguists. Most journeyman positions are GS-9 to GS-12 ($52,205-$98,422). Intelligence linguists with critical languages often receive additional pay. Add locality pay.
Professional-level proficiency in one or more foreign languages—typically ILR Level 3+ (reading/listening) demonstrated through DLPT or similar testing. Bachelor's degree often required. Security clearance mandatory for intelligence positions. Critical languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Farsi) are in highest demand.
Military linguist experience (35P/35M, CTI, 1N3) directly qualifies and is highly valued. Your DLPT scores, operational translation/interpretation experience, and security clearance are major advantages. Intelligence community agencies actively recruit separating military linguists.
Entry at GS-5/7 with tested language proficiency, journeyman at GS-9/11, senior linguists at GS-12/13. Leadership and program management positions reach GS-13/14. NSA, CIA, DIA, FBI, and State offer strong linguist career paths. Multiple languages accelerate advancement.
Search USAJOBS for 'Language Specialist,' 'Linguist,' or 'Translator.' NSA, FBI, CIA, and State Department are major employers. Highlight your DLPT scores, operational experience, and security clearance. Veterans with military linguist backgrounds have significant advantages—your training and clearance are invaluable.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.