Home / Federal careers / GS-1410
Copyright
Performs copyright work including registration processing, legal analysis, and copyright policy development.
What GS-1410 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 |
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-1410, as written.
All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education as shown for GS-7; however, as a standard practice applicants enter at grade GS-9 on the basis of a master's degree in library science.
Since many libraries are highly specialized, some librarian positions require a knowledge of a specialized subject or field of endeavor.. Also, since materials in libraries are often in foreign languages, some librarians must have a proficient knowledge of one or more foreign languages. For such positions, applicants must meet requirements that are directly related to the subject matter or language of the specialization. These requirements are in addition to the basic professional library science requirements that apply to all positions. However, these requirements may be included in or supplemental to those specified for all positions. The following specializations are authorized: biological, medical, social or physical sciences, education, fine arts, business and industry, humanities, law, music, engineering, and the Germanic, Slavic, Oriental, Semitic, or Romance languages.
For GS-7: Applicants must meet the requirements specified in paragraphs A or B below.
Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree;
or
A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.
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.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-1410
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
Legalman
Legalmen perform legal research and provide guidance, skills directly applicable to copyright registration and policy development.
Skills that carry over: Legal Guidance, Research, Registration.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9.
Paralegal
Air Force Paralegals are trained in legal analysis and documentation, aligning well with the duties of a copyright specialist.
Skills that carry over: Legal Analysis, Documentation, Research.
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
- Process copyright registrations
- Analyze copyright claims
- Apply copyright law
- Provide legal guidance
- Develop copyright policies
- Respond to inquiries
Key competencies
Copyright Law
Knowledge of copyright laws and regulations.
Registration
Ability to process copyright registration applications.
Legal Analysis
Skill in analyzing copyright claims and issues.
Research
Ability to research copyright records and precedents.
Customer Service
Skill in assisting applicants with registration.
Documentation
Ability to maintain accurate copyright records.
Examination
Skill in examining deposits and applications.
Communication
Ability to explain copyright requirements to applicants.
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-1410
What is a Copyright Specialist?
A GS-1410 Copyright Specialist works at the U.S. Copyright Office (part of the Library of Congress) processing copyright registrations, analyzing copyright claims, applying copyright law to registration decisions, providing guidance on copyright policy, and responding to public inquiries. These specialists protect intellectual property rights for authors, artists, musicians, and creators across the nation.
How much does a federal Copyright Specialist make?
Federal Copyright Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-12. A GS-11 Copyright Specialist earns $63,163-$82,108. The Copyright Office in Washington, DC is essentially the sole employer. DC locality pay adds approximately 32% to base salary.
What are the requirements for GS-1410 positions?
GS-1410 positions typically require a bachelor's degree, with law or library science background preferred but not required. Entry at GS-7 requires one year of graduate study in library science or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized experience in copyright registration, legal analysis, or intellectual property. Attention to detail and legal reasoning skills are essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1410?
Yes, relevant military experience can substitute for education. Veterans with experience in legal administration, intellectual property matters, or detailed regulatory analysis have transferable skills. Military JAG office experience, paralegal work, or positions requiring legal document analysis provide qualifying backgrounds. Document your experience with regulatory compliance and analytical work.
What is the career progression for Copyright Specialist?
Copyright Specialists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior specialists and supervisors reach GS-13. Career paths include specializing in specific registration areas (music, software, visual arts), policy development, or transitioning to Copyright Office leadership positions.
How do I apply for GS-1410 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Copyright" under series 1410. The U.S. Copyright Office at the Library of Congress is the primary employer. Highlight legal analysis experience, attention to detail, and customer service skills. Knowledge of intellectual property law or creative industries strengthens applications. Include any experience reviewing legal documents or regulatory materials.
Ready to apply for GS-1410?
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.