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Performs professional physical science work applying physics, chemistry, or related disciplines to scientific problems.
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-1301
Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
or
• Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal general physical science 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.
Military jobs that transition to GS-1301
Physical science leadership.
Physical science pathway for space operations.
Physical science with space focus.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to design and conduct scientific studies.
Skill in analyzing and interpreting scientific data.
Proficiency in laboratory techniques and procedures.
Ability to prepare technical reports and publications.
Skill in applying scientific methods to solve problems.
Knowledge of scientific instruments and equipment.
Ability to apply mathematical concepts to physical problems.
Skill in working with other scientists and researchers.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1301 General Physical Scientist applies physics, chemistry, or related physical sciences to federal research, testing, and analysis. This versatile series covers scientists whose work spans multiple physical science disciplines—conducting experiments, developing scientific methods, analyzing physical phenomena, and solving complex scientific problems across agencies like DOD, DOE, NASA, and NOAA.
Federal General Physical Scientists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $162,672 (GS-15 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-13. A GS-12 Physical Scientist earns $75,706-$98,422, while senior scientists at GS-14/15 earn $106,382-$162,672. Research agencies offer additional locality pay in metropolitan areas.
GS-1301 has a positive education requirement: a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science (mechanics, dynamics, materials, electronics). Higher grades require progressively more specialized research experience. Laboratory skills and scientific writing abilities are essential.
The required degree cannot be substituted with experience alone, but veterans with STEM degrees have excellent opportunities. Military experience in technical research, laboratory operations, weapons testing, or applied physics research strengthens applications significantly. Veterans from Navy nuclear programs, Army research labs, or Air Force test squadrons have highly relevant backgrounds.
Physical Scientists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12. Senior scientists and research leads reach GS-13/14/15. Career paths include specializing in specific research areas, transitioning to research management, or moving into program management. Some scientists transition to specific series like GS-1310 Physics or GS-1320 Chemistry.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Physical Scientist" or "General Physical Scientist" under series 1301. Major employers include DOE national labs, DOD research facilities, NASA, NOAA, and EPA. Highlight your degree, research experience, laboratory skills, and publications. Include specific instrumentation experience and quantitative research accomplishments in your federal resume.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.