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Performs language support work including document processing, translation assistance, and administrative support in foreign languages.
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-3 | $27,434 | $28,349 | $29,264 | $30,179 | $31,094 | $32,009 | $32,924 | $33,839 | $34,754 | $35,660 |
| GS-4 | $30,795 | $31,822 | $32,849 | $33,876 | $34,903 | $35,930 | $36,957 | $37,984 | $39,011 | $40,038 |
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-6 | $38,407 | $39,687 | $40,967 | $42,247 | $43,527 | $44,807 | $46,087 | $47,367 | $48,647 | $49,927 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
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-1046
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-1046: This series is marked with an asterisk (*) indicating Individual Occupational Requirements apply. Language Clerical positions require demonstrated proficiency in one or more foreign languages in addition to English.
Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate reading, writing, and/or speaking proficiency in the required foreign language(s) at a level sufficient to perform the duties of the position. Proficiency may be verified through language proficiency testing.
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school |
| GS-4 | 1 year | None | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4 years above high school |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Generally not applicable |
General Experience: Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.
Education: One year of full-time academic study equals 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or approximately 36 weeks at 20+ classroom hours per week.
Combining Education and Experience: For grades GS-3 through GS-5, applicants may substitute education for experience. Express both as percentages; combined must equal at least 100%.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal language clerical 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-1046
Cryptologic Language Analysts have direct experience in processing and translating foreign language materials, aligning closely with the duties of a Language Clerical position.
CTIs are experts in foreign languages and translation, directly aligning with the Language Clerical series.
Human Intelligence Collectors often work with foreign languages and assist in translation, making them well-suited for language clerical roles.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking a foreign language.
Ability to type accurately in both English and foreign languages.
Skill in translating routine correspondence and documents.
Ability to communicate with foreign language speakers.
Proficiency in general office and clerical procedures.
Skill in entering data in multiple languages.
Ability to review documents for accuracy in multiple languages.
Skill in assisting foreign language speaking customers.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-1046 Language Clerks provide support in foreign language environments: processing documents, assisting with translations, handling correspondence, and supporting language specialists. They work at State Department, intelligence agencies, and organizations requiring bilingual administrative support.
GS-1046 positions range from GS-3 ($27,434) to GS-7 ($42,679-$55,486). Most positions are GS-4 to GS-6 ($30,795-$49,927). These are support positions with ceiling lower than Language Specialist. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
Working proficiency in a foreign language plus general clerical experience. At GS-4, you need 1 year of experience or 2 years of education. Language ability demonstrated through testing. Typing/word processing proficiency in both English and target language often required.
Yes. Military clerical experience combined with language ability qualifies. If you processed documents in foreign languages, supported linguists, or provided bilingual admin support, that experience translates. Your language skills and administrative experience are both valued.
Entry at GS-3/4 with progression to GS-6/7. Many use this as a stepping stone to Language Specialist (GS-1040) by improving language proficiency. Additional language training and higher DLPT scores open advancement opportunities.
Search USAJOBS for 'Language Clerk' or 'Foreign Language Clerk.' State Department and intelligence agencies are employers. Emphasize your language ability and clerical skills. Veterans with language training and admin experience have applicable backgrounds.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.