Public Affairs
Performs public affairs work including media relations, public information, and communication strategies.
💰GS-1130 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 |
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-1130
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field
OR
Experience: Experience in public affairs, media relations, or communications.
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-1130
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal public affairs 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-1130
Public Affairs Specialist
Directly involved in public communication and media engagement, ideal for GS-1130 roles.
Public Affairs Specialist
Directly responsible for media relations and public information, making this a direct transition to GS-1130 roles.
Public Affairs Specialist
Handles communication strategies and media relations, directly applicable to GS-1130 roles.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Develop public affairs strategies
- •Write press releases and communications
- •Manage media relations
- •Coordinate public events
- •Monitor media coverage
- •Advise leadership on public affairs matters
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to develop comprehensive communication strategies.
Skill in working with journalists and managing media inquiries.
Ability to create content for various platforms.
Skill in managing communications during critical situations.
Proficiency in social media and digital communication tools.
Ability to build relationships with key audiences.
Skill in writing press releases, talking points, and publications.
Ability to coordinate public events and press conferences.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1130
What is a Public Affairs Specialist?
A GS-1130 Public Affairs Specialist manages communications between federal agencies and the public, media, and stakeholders. These specialists develop communication strategies, write press releases, manage media relations, coordinate public events, handle crisis communications, and advise agency leadership on public perception. They serve as the official voice of their agency.
How much does a federal Public Affairs Specialist make?
Federal Public Affairs Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) on the 2025 GS pay scale. Mid-career specialists at GS-11/12 earn $63,163-$98,422. Senior public affairs officers and directors at GS-13/14 earn $90,025-$138,296. High-visibility agencies in DC often hire at higher grades with locality pay adding 32%.
What are the requirements for GS-1130 positions?
GS-1130 is a two-grade interval professional series. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree (communications, journalism, or public relations preferred) or equivalent experience. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in media relations, strategic communications, or public information. Strong writing skills and digital media proficiency are essential competencies.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1130?
Absolutely. Veterans with Public Affairs Officer (PAO) experience have directly transferable skills—military media relations, command communications, press release writing, and community engagement count as qualifying experience. Even veterans without formal PAO roles can qualify if they handled unit communications, social media, or served as spokespersons. Document specific media interactions and content you created.
What is the career progression for Public Affairs Specialist?
Public Affairs follows the GS-5/7/9/11/12 ladder with journey level at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior specialists, branch chiefs, and agency spokespersons reach GS-13/14. Career paths include specializing in digital/social media, crisis communications, or congressional affairs. Some transition to political appointee communications roles or SES-level positions.
How do I apply for GS-1130 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Public Affairs Specialist" or "Public Affairs Officer" under series 1130. Major employers include DOD, VA, DHS, and every cabinet agency. Build a portfolio of writing samples including press releases and strategic communications plans. Your federal resume should highlight media relations experience, crisis communications, and digital engagement metrics.
Ready to Apply for GS-1130?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.