Home / Federal careers / GS-1360
Oceanography
Performs professional oceanography work including ocean research, data analysis, and marine science.
What GS-1360 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-1360, as written.
Degree: major study of at least 24 semester hours in oceanography or a related discipline such as physics, meteorology, geophysics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, geology, or biology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of oceanography, physics, geophysics, chemistry, mathematics, meteorology, computer science, and engineering sciences.
or
Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Applicants who qualify on the basis of major study in biology or geology must have had at least 6 semester hours in the major directly concerned with marine science or 6 semester hours in oceanography; applicants who qualify on the basis of other physical sciences or engineering must have had differential and integral calculus and at least 6 semester hours in physics.
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-1360
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
Oceanography Officer
Oceanography expertise.
Skills that carry over: Oceanography, Meteorology, Analysis, Forecasting, Research.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12, GS-13.
Cryptologic Technician Interpretive
While primarily focused on intelligence, CTIs with a focus on environmental data analysis can transition to oceanography roles by leveraging their data interpretation skills.
Skills that carry over: Data Analysis, Scientific Reporting, Modeling.
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 oceanographic research
- Analyze ocean data
- Study marine ecosystems
- Operate oceanographic equipment
- Prepare scientific reports
- Model ocean processes
Key competencies
Physical Oceanography
Knowledge of ocean circulation and dynamics.
Marine Biology
Understanding of marine ecosystems and organisms.
Data Analysis
Skill in analyzing oceanographic data.
Instrumentation
Knowledge of oceanographic sampling and measuring equipment.
Modeling
Ability to develop and use ocean circulation models.
Field Work
Skill in conducting oceanographic cruises and surveys.
Remote Sensing
Knowledge of satellite oceanography techniques.
Scientific Writing
Ability to prepare research papers and 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-1360
What is an Oceanographer?
A GS-1360 Oceanographer studies ocean systems—physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of marine environments. These scientists conduct oceanographic research, analyze ocean data, model ocean circulation, operate oceanographic equipment during research cruises, and prepare scientific reports for agencies like NOAA, Navy, Coast Guard, and EPA to support marine resource management and national security.
How much does a federal Oceanographer make?
Federal Oceanographers 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 Oceanographer earns $75,706-$98,422. NOAA and Navy are primary employers. Research cruise positions may include sea pay differentials and extended travel benefits.
What are the requirements for GS-1360 positions?
GS-1360 requires a degree with at least 24 hours in oceanography or related science (physics, meteorology, geophysics, math, chemistry, engineering, geology, or biology), plus 20 additional hours in oceanography, physics, geophysics, chemistry, math, meteorology, computer science, or engineering. Biologists/geologists need 6 hours in marine science or oceanography; physical scientists need calculus and 6 hours of physics.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1360?
The required degree cannot be substituted with military experience alone. However, Navy veterans with oceanography degrees and operational experience are exceptionally qualified. Experience in anti-submarine warfare, ocean survey ships, meteorology/oceanography (METOC) divisions, or Naval Oceanographic Office provides directly relevant background when combined with required education.
What is the career progression for Oceanographer?
Oceanographers follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12. Senior scientists and research leads reach GS-13/14. Career paths include specializing in physical oceanography, biological oceanography, or marine geology. Some transition to research vessel operations management or headquarters ocean policy positions at NOAA or Navy.
How do I apply for GS-1360 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Oceanographer" under series 1360. NOAA (largest employer), Naval Oceanographic Office, Office of Naval Research, and Coast Guard are primary employers. Highlight research cruise experience, ocean modeling skills, instrumentation proficiency, and publications. Include specific software (ocean circulation models, remote sensing) in your federal resume.
Ready to apply for GS-1360?
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.