Home / Federal careers / GS-1320
Chemistry
Performs professional chemistry work including chemical analysis, research, and laboratory operations.
What GS-1320 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-1320, as written.
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.
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-1320
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
Petroleum Laboratory Specialist
Laboratory analysis experience. Highlight petroleum testing, quality control, and laboratory procedures.
Skills that carry over: Petroleum Testing, Laboratory Analysis, Quality Control, Technical Documentation, Safety.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
CBRN Specialist
Chemistry. For 74Ds with chemistry coursework or lab experience. Chemical agent identification, sampling techniques, and analytical methods are relevant. Army research labs (DEVCOM CBC), EPA labs, and FDA hire into these positions.
Skills that carry over: Chemical analysis, Sample collection, Lab procedures, Quality control, Chemical identification.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-7, GS-9.
Medical Laboratory Specialist
GS-1320 Chemistry opens at research and environmental federal labs for techs leaning into analytical chemistry.
Skills that carry over: Analytical chemistry, Instrumentation, Method validation.
Usually opens at: GS-7, 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 chemical analyses
- Perform laboratory research
- Develop analytical methods
- Operate laboratory equipment
- Prepare technical reports
- Ensure laboratory safety
Key competencies
Analytical Chemistry
Skill in analytical methods and techniques.
Laboratory Techniques
Proficiency in chemical laboratory procedures.
Instrumentation
Knowledge of chemical analysis instruments (GC, MS, HPLC, etc.).
Quality Control
Understanding of laboratory quality assurance.
Safety
Knowledge of chemical safety and hazardous materials handling.
Data Analysis
Ability to analyze and interpret chemical data.
Research
Skill in designing and conducting chemical research.
Technical Writing
Ability to prepare scientific reports and documentation.
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-1320
What is a federal Chemist?
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.
How much does a federal Chemist make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-1320 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1320?
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.
What is the career progression for Chemist?
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.
How do I apply for GS-1320 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to apply for GS-1320?
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.