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Positions that involve analyzing financial data, developing financial plans, and providing financial advice to support organizational decision making.
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-1160
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Professional experience in financial analysis, investment analysis, or related financial work.
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):
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal financial analysis 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.
Ability to analyze financial data and prepare reports.
Skill in creating financial models and projections.
Knowledge of investment evaluation techniques.
Ability to identify and assess financial risks.
Understanding of financial regulations and requirements.
Skill in analyzing large financial datasets.
Ability to prepare clear financial reports and presentations.
Expertise in financial analysis tools and spreadsheets.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1160 Financial Analyst examines financial data to support federal agency decision-making. These specialists develop financial forecasts and projections, conduct cost-benefit analyses, evaluate investment opportunities, monitor performance metrics, ensure regulatory compliance, and prepare reports for leadership. They translate complex financial data into actionable recommendations.
Federal Financial Analysts earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) on the 2025 base pay scale, with most positions at GS-9 through GS-13. A GS-12 Financial Analyst earns $75,706-$98,422, while GS-13 positions pay $90,025-$117,034. Locality adjustments in financial hubs like DC or New York add 25-40% to base pay.
GS-1160 follows the two-grade interval professional series standard. Entry typically requires a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business with coursework in financial analysis. Higher grades require specialized experience in financial modeling, investment analysis, or budget forecasting. Strong analytical skills and proficiency with financial software are essential.
Yes, veterans with financial management experience qualify. Military experience in budget execution, financial reporting, cost analysis, or comptroller functions translates directly to GS-1160 positions. Document specific examples: preparing budget justifications, analyzing expenditure trends, conducting cost comparisons, or managing financial systems like GFEBS or similar.
Financial Analysts follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12. Senior analysts and supervisors reach GS-13. Career advancement involves specializing in areas like capital investment analysis, program evaluation, or agency-wide financial planning. Some analysts transition to GS-0501 Financial Administration or GS-0510 Accounting for broader opportunities.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Financial Analyst" and filter for series 1160. Treasury, DOD, and OMB are major employers. Emphasize quantitative analysis skills, financial modeling experience, and proficiency with Excel, financial databases, and visualization tools. Include specific metrics: portfolio sizes analyzed, budget amounts managed, or savings identified through your analysis.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.