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Performs professional physics work including theoretical and experimental research in physical phenomena.
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-1310
Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics.
or
Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal 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-1310
Physics pathway.
This position involves substantial physics and engineering knowledge, particularly in nuclear systems, which aligns well with physics research roles.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Deep understanding of physics principles and theories.
Strong mathematical skills for theoretical work.
Ability to design and conduct physics experiments.
Skill in analyzing experimental and computational data.
Knowledge of physics instruments and measurement techniques.
Ability to write research papers and technical reports.
Skill in computational physics and simulation.
Ability to apply physics to solve complex problems.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1310 Physicist conducts theoretical and experimental research in physical phenomena for the federal government. These scientists develop theoretical models, design experiments, analyze data, publish research findings, and collaborate with other scientists at agencies like DOE national laboratories, NASA, DOD research facilities, NIST, and NOAA—pushing boundaries of scientific knowledge.
Federal Physicists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $162,672 (GS-15 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Research physicists at GS-13/14 earn $90,025-$138,296. Senior scientists at GS-15 earn $125,133-$162,672. National laboratories and research facilities often include additional special rate supplements for physics positions.
GS-1310 has a positive education requirement: a degree in physics or a related field with at least 24 semester hours in physics. Coursework must include fundamental general physics plus two of: electricity/magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, or sound. Higher grades require progressively more research experience. Strong mathematical and computational skills are essential.
The required physics degree cannot be substituted with military experience. However, veterans with physics degrees and military research experience are highly competitive. Experience in weapons physics, nuclear operations, aerospace systems, or technical intelligence complements physics education. Many physics positions at DOD labs specifically value military technical backgrounds.
Physicists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12 or GS-13. Senior research scientists reach GS-14/15 or Senior Level (SL) positions. Career paths include specializing in theoretical or experimental work, leading research programs, transitioning to management, or pursuing Senior Technical Expert designations.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Physicist" or "Research Physicist" under series 1310. DOE national labs (Sandia, Los Alamos, Oak Ridge), NASA, NIST, and DOD research facilities are primary employers. Highlight your research publications, grants, computational skills, and specialized physics expertise. Include specific instrumentation and modeling experience in your federal resume.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.