Health Physics
Performs professional health physics work including radiation protection, monitoring, and safety program management.
💰GS-1306 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 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
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-1306
Degree: natural science or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and/or calculus.
or
Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or other education; or certification as a health physicist by the American Board of Health Physics, plus appropriate experience and other education that provided an understanding of sciences applicable to health physics comparable to that described in paragraph A.
🎖️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.
- ⚠️Note: Degree required for this series.
📝How to Qualify for GS-1306
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal health physics 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.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-1306
CBRN Defense Specialist
GS-1306 Health Physics is the radiological specialty for the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, rewarding any radiological-survey background.
CBRN Specialist
Health Physics. Radiological monitoring and nuclear threat assessment experience from 74D training. NRC, DOE, NNSA, and Army radiation safety offices hire into these positions. Coursework in health physics or radiation protection strengthens candidacy.
Nondestructive Inspection
Health Physics covers radiation-safety officer and program roles. Documented radiographic-operations and dosimetry experience is a real differentiator here.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Develop radiation protection programs
- •Monitor radiation exposure levels
- •Conduct radiological surveys
- •Investigate radiation incidents
- •Ensure regulatory compliance
- •Train personnel on radiation safety
🎯Key Competencies
Knowledge of radiation protection principles and standards.
Skill in measuring and calculating radiation doses.
Ability to conduct radiation surveys and contamination monitoring.
Knowledge of NRC and other radiation regulations.
Ability to evaluate radiation hazards and risks.
Skill in responding to radiological emergencies.
Knowledge of radiation detection equipment.
Ability to develop and deliver radiation safety training.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1306
What is a Health Physicist?
A GS-1306 Health Physicist protects workers, the public, and environment from ionizing radiation hazards. These specialists develop radiation protection programs, monitor radiation exposure levels, conduct radiological surveys, investigate radiation incidents, ensure compliance with NRC and other regulations, and train personnel on radiation safety at nuclear facilities, medical centers, and research labs.
How much does a federal Health Physicist make?
Federal Health Physicists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-13. A GS-12 Health Physicist earns $75,706-$98,422. DOE, NRC, VA medical centers, and DOD are major employers. Nuclear facility locations may include hazard pay differentials.
What are the requirements for GS-1306 positions?
GS-1306 requires a degree in natural science or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in health physics, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and/or calculus. Certification by the American Board of Health Physics (CHP) with appropriate experience is an alternative qualification path. Knowledge of NRC regulations and dosimetry is essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1306?
The required degree cannot be substituted with military experience alone. However, Navy Nuclear Program veterans, Army radiation safety officers, and those who handled nuclear weapons or radioactive materials have exceptional qualifying backgrounds when combined with relevant degrees. Military dosimetry experience and radiation safety training translate directly to federal positions.
What is the career progression for Health Physicist?
Health Physicists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12. Senior health physicists and radiation safety officers reach GS-13/14. Career paths include facility radiation safety manager, NRC inspector, or regional/headquarters policy roles. Professional certification (CHP) significantly enhances advancement opportunities.
How do I apply for GS-1306 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Health Physicist" or "Radiation Safety" under series 1306. DOE, NRC, VA, and DOD are primary employers. Highlight radiation protection training, dosimetry experience, and NRC regulatory knowledge. Veterans from Navy nuclear programs or with radiation safety certifications should emphasize these credentials prominently in applications.
Ready to Apply for GS-1306?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.