Home / Federal careers / GS-1301
General Physical Science
Performs professional physical science work applying physics, chemistry, or related disciplines to scientific problems.
What GS-1301 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-1301, as written.
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.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- This series carries a positive education requirement: a degree is required and experience cannot be substituted for it.
How to qualify for GS-1301
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Special Reconnaissance
The 1W0X2 weather lineage and environmental data collection support GS-1301 General Physical Science meteorology and atmospheric work.
Skills that carry over: Environmental data collection, Atmospheric assessment, Physical science, Field measurement.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Space Systems Operations Supervisor
Physical science leadership.
Skills that carry over: Space Operations, Systems Supervision, Mission Control.
Usually opens at: GS-12, GS-13.
Space Operations Officer
Physical science pathway for space operations.
Skills that carry over: Space Operations, Satellite Command, Orbital Mechanics.
Usually opens at: GS-12, GS-13, GS-14.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Conduct physical science research
- Analyze physical phenomena
- Develop scientific methods and procedures
- Prepare technical reports
- Design and conduct experiments
- Apply physical science principles
Key competencies
Scientific Research
Ability to design and conduct scientific studies.
Data Analysis
Skill in analyzing and interpreting scientific data.
Laboratory Skills
Proficiency in laboratory techniques and procedures.
Scientific Writing
Ability to prepare technical reports and publications.
Problem Solving
Skill in applying scientific methods to solve problems.
Instrumentation
Knowledge of scientific instruments and equipment.
Mathematical Analysis
Ability to apply mathematical concepts to physical problems.
Collaboration
Skill in working with other scientists and researchers.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-1301
What is a General Physical Scientist?
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.
How much does a federal General Physical Scientist make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-1301 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1301?
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.
What is the career progression for General Physical Scientist?
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.
How do I apply for GS-1301 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to apply for GS-1301?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.