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Positions involving purchasing supplies, services, and equipment using simplified acquisition procedures.
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-1105
Individual Occupational Requirements: There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school |
| GS-4 | 1 year | None | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4 years above high school |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Generally not applicable |
General Experience: Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.
Education: One year of full-time academic study equals 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or approximately 36 weeks at 20+ classroom hours per week.
Combining Education and Experience: For grades GS-3 through GS-5, applicants may substitute education for experience. Express both as percentages; combined must equal at least 100%.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal purchasing 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.
Knowledge of simplified acquisition and purchasing procedures.
Ability to identify, evaluate, and work with vendors.
Understanding of federal purchasing regulations and policies.
Skill in evaluating pricing and determining reasonableness.
Ability to process purchase orders accurately.
Skill in resolving procurement and delivery issues.
Ability to maintain procurement records.
Skill in communicating with vendors and customers.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-1105 Purchasing Agents buy supplies, services, and equipment using simplified acquisition procedures (typically under $250,000). They solicit quotes, evaluate vendors, issue purchase orders, track deliveries, and manage government purchase cards at virtually every federal installation and office.
GS-1105 follows a one-grade interval typically ranging from GS-4 ($30,795) to GS-9 ($52,205-$67,865). Most positions are GS-5 to GS-7 ($34,454-$55,486). Senior purchasing agents reach GS-8/9. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
At GS-4, you need 1 year of general clerical or business experience OR 2 years of education above high school. Higher grades require specialized purchasing experience. Knowledge of simplified acquisition procedures, vendor management, and procurement regulations is essential.
Yes. Military purchasing, supply, or procurement experience directly qualifies. If you processed purchase requests, managed government purchase cards, or coordinated with vendors, that experience translates. Your understanding of government buying is exactly what agencies need.
Entry at GS-4/5 with progression to GS-7/8/9. Many transition to Contract Specialist (GS-1102) for higher-grade opportunities. Purchasing is an excellent entry point to the acquisition career field. FAC-C certification opens additional doors.
Search USAJOBS for 'Purchasing Agent' or 'Procurement Technician.' Every federal agency hires purchasers. Emphasize your buying experience, vendor relations, and any purchase card management. Veterans with supply or purchasing MOSs have directly applicable experience.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.