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Performs professional geophysics work including study of Earth physical properties using seismic, magnetic, and gravitational methods.
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-1313
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal geophysics 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-1313
Experience with sonar and acoustic data analysis aligns well with seismic data interpretation in geophysics.
Geospatial Engineers have experience with mapping and analyzing terrain, which is directly applicable to geophysical surveys and modeling.
While primarily focused on intelligence, the skills in analyzing complex data sets and interpreting signals can be relevant to geophysical data analysis.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of seismic, gravity, magnetic survey techniques.
Skill in processing and analyzing geophysical data.
Ability to interpret geophysical data for subsurface structures.
Knowledge of geophysical survey equipment.
Understanding of geological principles and formations.
Proficiency in geophysical processing software.
Ability to conduct geophysical surveys in various environments.
Skill in preparing technical geophysical reports.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.