Visual Information
Positions involving design and production of visual communication materials including graphics, photography, and multimedia.
💰GS-1084 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 |
| 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.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1084
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, or related field
- Portfolio demonstrating visual design skills
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):
- 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-1084
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal visual information 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-1084
Combat Videographer
GS-1084 Visual Information covers the broader video, graphics, and multimedia program function. Marines who managed production from concept through delivery qualify well here.
Combat Photographer
4541s map most directly to GS-1084 Visual Information. Photography, multimedia production, and imagery management translate without friction. Search this series first.
Combat Graphics/Camera Production Specialist
4512s map directly to GS-1084 Visual Information. The plan-and-produce graphics, layout, and multimedia work is a near 1:1 match. Target GS-7 to GS-9 entry with a portfolio.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Design visual materials
- •Create graphics and illustrations
- •Produce multimedia content
- •Photograph events and subjects
- •Edit video and audio
- •Develop visual concepts
- •Manage production projects
- •Maintain equipment
- •Coordinate with clients
- •Ensure brand consistency
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1084
What is a Visual Information Specialist?
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.
How much does a federal Visual Information Specialist make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-1084 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1084?
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.
What is the career progression for Visual Information Specialists?
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.
How do I apply for GS-1084 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-1084?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.