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Positions involving design and production of visual communication materials including graphics, photography, and multimedia.
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 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
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-1084
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Professional experience in visual design, graphic arts, or multimedia production.
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 visual information 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-1084
Direct translation to visual information specialist. Highlight documentation, production, and storytelling skills.
Visual information pathway.
Strong match for MCs with graphics and design focus. Adobe Creative Suite proficiency is key.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in creating visual materials for print and digital media.
Ability to design effective visual layouts.
Knowledge of typography principles and font selection.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and design software.
Ability to maintain visual brand standards.
Skill in conveying information through graphics.
Knowledge of print and digital production processes.
Ability to manage multiple design projects.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-1084 Visual Information Specialists design graphics, produce multimedia content, photograph events, create illustrations, and develop visual communications. They work at virtually every federal agency supporting publications, websites, training materials, and public information programs.
GS-1084 follows a two-grade interval: GS-5/7/9/11/12. Entry at GS-5 ($34,454), journeyman at GS-9 ($52,205-$67,865), senior specialists at GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422). Supervisors and creative directors reach GS-12. Add locality pay.
At GS-5, you need a degree in graphic design, visual communications, or related field OR equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized visual production experience. Portfolio demonstrating design skills essential. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite required.
Yes. Military graphic design, photography, visual communications, or multimedia experience directly qualifies. If you created graphics, shot photography, or produced visual content for military publications or training, that experience translates perfectly.
Entry at GS-5/7 with progression to GS-9/11. Senior designers and supervisors reach GS-11/12. Every agency has visual information needs. Specialization in web design, video, or specific media types enhances advancement.
Search USAJOBS for 'Visual Information Specialist' or 'Graphic Designer.' Nearly all agencies hire. A strong portfolio is essential—highlight your best design work. Veterans with military graphic arts or DINFOS training have directly applicable experience.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.