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Performs professional chemistry work including chemical analysis, research, and laboratory operations.
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-1320
Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal chemistry 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-1320
Laboratory analysis experience. Highlight petroleum testing, quality control, and laboratory procedures.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in analytical methods and techniques.
Proficiency in chemical laboratory procedures.
Knowledge of chemical analysis instruments (GC, MS, HPLC, etc.).
Understanding of laboratory quality assurance.
Knowledge of chemical safety and hazardous materials handling.
Ability to analyze and interpret chemical data.
Skill in designing and conducting chemical research.
Ability to prepare scientific reports and documentation.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1320 Chemist performs professional chemistry work for federal agencies—conducting chemical analyses, performing laboratory research, developing analytical methods, and ensuring laboratory quality and safety. These scientists work at FDA testing food and drugs, EPA analyzing environmental samples, FBI forensic labs, DOE research facilities, and many other agencies requiring chemical expertise.
Federal Chemists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $162,672 (GS-15 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-13. A GS-12 Chemist earns $75,706-$98,422, while senior research chemists at GS-14/15 earn $106,382-$162,672. Agencies with heavy laboratory operations often offer special pay rates.
GS-1320 requires a degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by calculus (differential and integral) and at least 6 hours of physics. Proficiency with analytical instrumentation (GC, MS, HPLC, spectroscopy) and laboratory quality control are essential competencies for higher grades.
The required chemistry degree cannot be substituted with military experience alone. However, veterans with chemistry degrees and military laboratory experience are highly competitive. Experience in Army medical labs, Navy water testing, Air Force environmental analysis, or NBC (nuclear/biological/chemical) specialties provides excellent qualifying background when combined with required education.
Chemists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12. Senior research chemists and lab supervisors reach GS-13/14/15. Career paths include specializing in analytical, organic, or forensic chemistry, transitioning to laboratory management, or moving into regulatory science positions. Some chemists pursue management or policy roles.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Chemist" under series 1320. FDA, EPA, FBI, DEA, DOE, and DOD are major employers. Highlight analytical instrumentation experience, laboratory techniques, quality assurance skills, and any research publications. Include specific equipment proficiency (mass spectrometry, chromatography) and certifications in your federal resume.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.