Realty
Federal position performing realty work including real estate acquisition, disposal, leasing, appraisal, and property management for federal buildings and government land holdings.
💰GS-1170 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 |
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-1170
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in real estate, business, finance, or related field
OR
Experience: Experience in real estate appraisal, acquisition, management, or disposal.
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-1170
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal realty 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.
📋Typical Duties
- •Acquire real property
- •Manage property disposals
- •Negotiate real estate transactions
- •Appraise property values
- •Manage leases and rights-of-way
- •Ensure regulatory compliance
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to determine property values and market conditions.
Skill in negotiating and completing property acquisitions.
Ability to manage real property assets.
Skill in negotiating and administering leases.
Knowledge of federal real property laws and regulations.
Ability to negotiate favorable terms in real estate transactions.
Skill in analyzing real estate markets and trends.
Ability to prepare real estate documents and reports.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1170
What is a Realty Specialist in federal service?
A GS-1170 Realty Specialist manages real property transactions for the federal government—the largest property owner in the United States. These specialists handle property acquisitions, disposals, leasing negotiations, appraisals, and rights-of-way for federal buildings, military installations, national parks, and government land holdings. They ensure the government gets fair value in all real estate dealings.
How much does a federal Realty Specialist make?
Federal Realty Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-12. A GS-11 Realty Specialist earns $63,163-$82,108, while GS-12 positions pay $75,706-$98,422. GSA, DOD, and Interior are major employers with positions nationwide.
What are the requirements for GS-1170 positions?
GS-1170 follows the two-grade interval standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in real estate, business, or finance, or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized experience in property appraisal, acquisition, lease administration, or real estate negotiations. Strong negotiation skills and knowledge of federal property regulations are essential competencies.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1170?
Yes, military real property experience qualifies. Veterans who managed base housing, coordinated facility acquisitions, handled installation real property, or worked in civil engineering units with land management responsibilities have transferable skills. Experience with military construction projects, lease negotiations for off-base facilities, or property inventory management all count as qualifying experience.
What is the career progression for Realty Specialist?
Realty Specialists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12/13 progression with journey level at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior specialists managing major acquisitions or regional portfolios reach GS-13. Career paths include specializing in appraisals, acquisitions, or lease management. Some transition to supervisory roles or GSA regional property management positions.
How do I apply for GS-1170 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Realty Specialist" under series 1170. GSA, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service hire extensively. Highlight property negotiation experience, market analysis skills, and knowledge of appraisal methods. Professional certifications like MAI or state real estate licenses strengthen applications.
Ready to Apply for GS-1170?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.