Writing and Editing
Performs professional writing and editing work including technical writing, copyediting, and publication development.
💰GS-1082 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 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
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-1082
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or related field
- Demonstrated writing and editing abilities
OR
Experience: Professional experience in writing, editing, or journalism demonstrating ability to produce clear, effective written content.
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-1082
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal writing and editing 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-1082
Public Affairs
Writing and editing experience from news releases, fact sheets, and articles maps to GS-1082 Writing and Editing. Strong fit for the writers and editors among Public Affairs veterans.
Historian
GS-1082 Writing and Editing fits historians whose strongest pitch is the writing itself, across agency publication and editorial offices.
Legal Services Specialist
Writing and Editing. Professional legal writing — charge sheets, legal correspondence, briefs, and memoranda — demonstrates high-level writing skills.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Write technical documents
- •Edit manuscripts and reports
- •Develop publications
- •Ensure editorial standards
- •Coordinate with authors
- •Manage publication schedules
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to write clear, engaging content for various audiences.
Skill in editing for grammar, style, clarity, and accuracy.
Ability to research topics and synthesize information.
Knowledge of AP, Chicago, or government style guidelines.
Attention to detail in reviewing written materials.
Skill in managing content across multiple platforms.
Ability to produce quality work under tight deadlines.
Skill in working with subject matter experts and stakeholders.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1082
What is a federal Writer-Editor?
GS-1082 Writer-Editors create and edit content: reports, publications, speeches, web content, and official communications. They ensure editorial standards, coordinate with authors, and manage publication schedules at agencies requiring professional writing and editing capabilities.
How much does a federal Writer-Editor make?
GS-1082 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-13 ($90,025-$117,034) for senior editors and publications managers. Most positions are GS-9 to GS-12 ($52,205-$98,422). Editorial directors reach GS-12/13. Add locality pay.
What are the requirements for GS-1082 positions?
At GS-5, you need a degree in English, journalism, communications, or related field OR equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized writing/editing experience. Portfolio demonstrating strong writing and editing skills essential. Subject matter expertise enhances competitiveness.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1082?
Yes. Military public affairs writing, command information, or technical writing experience qualifies. If you wrote news releases, edited publications, or developed official content, that experience translates. DINFOS training and your writing portfolio demonstrate qualifications.
What is the career progression for Writer-Editors?
Entry at GS-5/7 with progression to GS-11/12. Senior editors and publications managers reach GS-12/13. Every major agency has writing/editing positions. Specialization in specific content areas (technical, scientific, policy) enhances advancement.
How do I apply for GS-1082 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Writer-Editor' or 'Editorial Specialist.' Most agencies hire writers. Highlight your writing portfolio, editing experience, and any specialized knowledge. Veterans with public affairs or technical writing backgrounds have applicable experience.
Ready to Apply for GS-1082?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.