General Business and Industry
Performs business and industry work not covered by other specific series including business analysis and program support.
💰GS-1101 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-1101
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- GS-5: Bachelor's degree in business, economics, or related field
- GS-7: 1 year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement
OR
Experience: General experience in business, industry, or administrative work demonstrating analytical and organizational abilities.
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-1101
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal general business and industry 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-1101
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Specialist
GS-1101 General Business and Industry covers the NAF business operations a 4133 ran. Retail, food, recreation, and lodging P&L work lines up with the broad business series.
Contracting Specialist
GS-1101 General Business and Industry absorbs acquisition-adjacent program and business-operations work tied to the contracting mission.
Contracting
General business and industry positions value procurement, market research, and business acumen from contracting.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Analyze business operations and processes
- •Develop business plans and strategies
- •Coordinate program activities
- •Prepare business reports
- •Evaluate program effectiveness
- •Provide business advisory services
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to analyze business operations and identify improvements.
Skill in planning and managing business projects.
Ability to develop business policies and procedures.
Skill in presenting business information to stakeholders.
Ability to identify and resolve business challenges.
Skill in analyzing business data and metrics.
Understanding of business and industry practices.
Ability to build and maintain business relationships.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1101
What is a General Business Specialist?
GS-1101 General Business and Industry Specialists perform business analysis, program support, and advisory services that don't fit more specific series. They analyze operations, develop business plans, evaluate programs, and provide business guidance at agencies requiring general business expertise.
How much does a federal Business Specialist make?
GS-1101 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-13 ($90,025-$117,034) for senior specialists. Most positions are GS-9 to GS-12 ($52,205-$98,422). Program managers reach GS-12/13. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
What are the requirements for GS-1101 positions?
At GS-5, you need a degree in business, economics, or related field OR equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized business analysis or program management experience. Knowledge of business principles, analysis methods, and program evaluation is essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1101?
Yes. Military business operations, program management, or administrative analysis experience qualifies. If you analyzed operations, managed programs, or provided business advisory support, that experience translates. Your leadership and analytical skills are valued.
What is the career progression for Business Specialists?
Entry at GS-5/7 with progression to GS-11/12. Senior specialists and program managers reach GS-12/13. SBA, Commerce, and agencies with business programs offer career paths. Specialization in specific business areas enhances advancement.
How do I apply for GS-1101 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Business Specialist' or 'Program Specialist.' SBA, Commerce, and regulatory agencies are employers. Highlight your business analysis, program management, and advisory experience. Veterans with operations or program management backgrounds have applicable experience.
Ready to Apply for GS-1101?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.