Home / Federal careers / GS-1310
Physics
Performs professional physics work including theoretical and experimental research in physical phenomena.
What GS-1310 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-1310, as written.
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.
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-1310
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
Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory
Physics pathway.
Skills that carry over: Calibration, Metrology, Test Equipment, Quality Control, Documentation.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11, GS-12.
Space Systems Operations
Physics. Space operations analyst positions at Space Systems Command, NRO, and space acquisition programs. Orbital mechanics and space science background.
Skills that carry over: Orbital mechanics, Space situational awareness, Satellite operations, Physics applications, Technical analysis.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13.
Engineering Duty Officer - Nuclear Power
This position involves substantial physics and engineering knowledge, particularly in nuclear systems, which aligns well with physics research roles.
Skills that carry over: Physics Knowledge, Instrumentation, Data Analysis, Experimental Design.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11.
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 physics research and experiments
- Develop theoretical models
- Analyze physical data
- Design experimental apparatus
- Publish research findings
- Collaborate with other scientists
Key competencies
Physics Knowledge
Deep understanding of physics principles and theories.
Mathematical Analysis
Strong mathematical skills for theoretical work.
Experimental Design
Ability to design and conduct physics experiments.
Data Analysis
Skill in analyzing experimental and computational data.
Instrumentation
Knowledge of physics instruments and measurement techniques.
Scientific Writing
Ability to write research papers and technical reports.
Programming
Skill in computational physics and simulation.
Problem Solving
Ability to apply physics to solve complex problems.
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-1310
What is a federal Physicist?
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.
How much does a federal Physicist make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-1310 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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1310?
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.
What is the career progression for Physicist?
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.
How do I apply for GS-1310 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to apply for GS-1310?
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.