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Performs professional health physics work including radiation protection, monitoring, and safety program management.
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.
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal health physics 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-1306
Requires degree in physics or health physics for higher grades. CBRN radiological experience transfers but academic credentials typically mandatory.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.