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Positions that involve work in loan programs including origination, servicing, and collection of government loans.
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-1165
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Experience in loan origination, underwriting, servicing, or financial analysis.
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 loan specialist 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 loan applications and creditworthiness.
Skill in evaluating loan risk and making credit decisions.
Ability to analyze financial statements and credit reports.
Knowledge of lending regulations and requirements.
Skill in working with borrowers and explaining loan terms.
Ability to prepare and review loan documentation.
Skill in monitoring and managing loan portfolios.
Ability to work with troubled loans and find solutions.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1165 Loan Specialist manages federal loan programs including origination, underwriting, servicing, and collection. These specialists evaluate creditworthiness, determine eligibility for government loans (SBA, USDA, VA home loans, student loans), calculate terms, counsel borrowers, restructure troubled loans, and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the loan lifecycle.
Federal Loan Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) based on 2025 GS rates. Most positions fall at GS-9 through GS-12. A GS-11 Loan Specialist earns $63,163-$82,108, while GS-12 positions pay $75,706-$98,422. Agencies like SBA, VA, and USDA hire extensively in this series.
GS-1165 follows the two-grade interval standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in finance, business, or economics, or equivalent experience in lending. Higher grades require specialized experience in loan origination, underwriting, credit analysis, or portfolio management. Understanding lending regulations and experience with borrower counseling are key qualifications.
Yes, veterans with relevant financial experience can qualify. Military roles involving financial counseling, emergency loan programs, debt management assistance, or analyzing personnel financial situations provide qualifying experience. Veterans who worked in Finance Corps, administered military relief funds, or counseled service members on financial matters have transferable skills.
Loan Specialists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 ladder with journey level typically at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior specialists supervising loan portfolios or programs can reach GS-13. Career paths include specializing in specific loan types (disaster loans, housing, business development) or transitioning to program management, policy development, or compliance oversight roles.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Loan Specialist" under series 1165. SBA, USDA Rural Development, VA (home loans), and Education (student loans) are primary employers. Highlight credit analysis experience, customer service skills, and knowledge of lending regulations. Veterans applying to VA Loan Specialist positions can leverage their understanding of veteran benefits and military culture.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.