Purchasing
Positions involving purchasing supplies, services, and equipment using simplified acquisition procedures.
💰GS-1105 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-1105
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Clerical and Administrative Support Positions
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%.
🎖️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-1105
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal purchasing 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-1105
Contracting Specialist
GS-1105 Purchasing covers simplified-acquisition and purchase-card buying, a strong entry for junior 3044s building toward the 1102 ladder.
Logistics Specialist
Purchasing. LSs regularly process purchase requests and manage vendor relationships. Direct experience with federal purchasing systems (Navy ERP, SAP).
Supply Administration
Purchasing. 3043s regularly process purchase requests and manage vendor relationships. Government Purchase Card (GPC) experience is directly relevant to federal purchasing positions.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Process purchase requests
- •Solicit quotes from vendors
- •Evaluate vendor responses
- •Issue purchase orders
- •Track deliveries
- •Resolve procurement issues
- •Maintain vendor files
- •Ensure compliance
- •Manage purchase card
- •Document transactions
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1105
What is a federal Purchasing Agent?
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.
How much does a federal Purchasing Agent make?
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%.
What are the requirements for GS-1105 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1105?
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.
What is the career progression for Purchasing Agents?
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.
How do I apply for GS-1105 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-1105?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.