Home / Federal careers / GS-1313
Geophysics
Performs professional geophysics work including study of Earth physical properties using seismic, magnetic, and gravitational methods.
What GS-1313 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 |
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-1313, as written.
Degree: that included at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.).
or
Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, 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-1313
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
Sonar Technician (Surface)
Experience with sonar and acoustic data analysis aligns well with seismic data interpretation in geophysics.
Skills that carry over: Acoustic Data Analysis, Equipment Operation, Technical Problem Solving.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11.
Geospatial Engineer
Geospatial Engineers have experience with mapping and analyzing terrain, which is directly applicable to geophysical surveys and modeling.
Skills that carry over: Geospatial Analysis, Surveying Techniques, Data Interpretation.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11.
Signals Intelligence Analyst
While primarily focused on intelligence, the skills in analyzing complex data sets and interpreting signals can be relevant to geophysical data analysis.
Skills that carry over: Data Analysis, Signal Interpretation, Technical Reporting.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9.
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 geophysical surveys and investigations
- Analyze seismic and magnetic data
- Interpret subsurface structures
- Develop geophysical models
- Support natural resource exploration
- Assess geological hazards
Key competencies
Geophysical Methods
Knowledge of seismic, gravity, magnetic survey techniques.
Data Processing
Skill in processing and analyzing geophysical data.
Interpretation
Ability to interpret geophysical data for subsurface structures.
Instrumentation
Knowledge of geophysical survey equipment.
Geology
Understanding of geological principles and formations.
Software
Proficiency in geophysical processing software.
Field Work
Ability to conduct geophysical surveys in various environments.
Report Writing
Skill in preparing technical geophysical reports.
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-1313
What is a Geophysicist?
A GS-1313 Geophysicist studies Earth's physical properties using seismic, magnetic, gravitational, and electrical methods. These scientists conduct geophysical surveys, analyze subsurface data, interpret geological structures, support natural resource exploration, and assess geological hazards like earthquakes and volcanic activity for agencies including USGS, DOE, DOD, and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
How much does a federal Geophysicist make?
Federal Geophysicists 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 Geophysicist earns $75,706-$98,422. USGS, DOE, and NOAA are major employers. Field positions may include travel and remote location pay differentials.
What are the requirements for GS-1313 positions?
GS-1313 requires a degree with at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and physical sciences such as geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, or electronics. Proficiency with geophysical survey equipment, data processing software, and field investigation techniques are essential competencies for higher grades.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1313?
The required education cannot be substituted with military experience alone. However, veterans with geoscience degrees and military experience in seismic monitoring (for nuclear treaty verification), submarine sonar operations, or geological engineering have excellent transferable backgrounds. Experience with subsurface sensing, remote sensing, or technical data analysis strengthens applications.
What is the career progression for Geophysicist?
Geophysicists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12. Senior scientists and team leads reach GS-13/14. Career paths include specializing in seismology, potential fields, or petroleum exploration geophysics. Some transition to research management or policy positions in natural hazards or energy resource assessment.
How do I apply for GS-1313 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Geophysicist" under series 1313. USGS, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, DOE, and NOAA are primary employers. Highlight geophysical survey experience, data processing skills, and field work capabilities. Include specific software proficiency (seismic processing, GIS) and any publications or technical reports in your federal resume.
Ready to apply for GS-1313?
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.