Technical Writing and Editing
Performs technical writing and editing work including documentation, manuals, and technical publications.
💰GS-1083 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-1083
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in technical writing, English, journalism, or a scientific/technical field
- Coursework or training in technical communication
OR
Experience: Professional experience writing or editing technical documentation, manuals, or scientific publications.
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-1083
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal technical 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-1083
Public Affairs Specialist
Army Public Affairs Specialists are trained to produce and edit content, which aligns with technical writing and editing duties.
Public Affairs Specialist
Public Affairs Specialists often write and edit technical content for various audiences, making them well-suited for technical writing roles.
Mass Communication Specialist
Mass Communication Specialists create and edit content, which can be adapted to technical writing with additional training.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Write technical documentation
- •Develop user manuals
- •Edit technical publications
- •Translate technical content
- •Coordinate with subject matter experts
- •Maintain documentation standards
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to write clear technical documentation and manuals.
Skill in comprehending and explaining complex technical topics.
Ability to edit technical documents for accuracy and clarity.
Skill in organizing technical information logically.
Knowledge of technical documentation style guides.
Experience with software user guides and help systems.
Ability to work with engineers, scientists, and SMEs.
Skill in technical writing and publishing tools.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1083
What is a federal Technical Writer-Editor?
GS-1083 Technical Writer-Editors create documentation, user manuals, technical publications, and procedures. They translate complex technical content for various audiences, coordinate with subject matter experts, and maintain documentation standards at NASA, DOD, DOE, and technical agencies.
How much does a federal Technical Writer make?
GS-1083 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-13 ($90,025-$117,034) for senior technical writers and publications managers. Most positions are GS-9 to GS-12 ($52,205-$98,422). Add locality pay of 15-40%.
What are the requirements for GS-1083 positions?
At GS-5, you need a degree in technical writing, English, or related field OR equivalent technical writing experience. Higher grades require specialized documentation experience. Ability to understand and explain technical concepts is essential. Knowledge of specific technical domains strengthens applications.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1083?
Yes. Military technical writing, creating manuals, developing training materials, or writing procedures directly qualifies. If you wrote technical orders, maintenance procedures, or system documentation, that experience is exactly what federal agencies need.
What is the career progression for Technical Writers?
Entry at GS-5/7 with progression to GS-11/12. Senior technical writers and documentation managers reach GS-12/13. NASA, DOD, and DOE offer strong technical writing career paths. Specialization in specific technical areas enhances advancement.
How do I apply for GS-1083 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Technical Writer' or 'Technical Editor.' NASA, DOD, DOE are major employers. Highlight your technical documentation portfolio and domain expertise. Veterans with technical manual development experience have directly applicable backgrounds.
Ready to Apply for GS-1083?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.