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Performs professional archival work including appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation of historical records.
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-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-1420
Bachelor's degree in archival science or bachelor's degree with a major that includes 18 semester hours in archival science, history and/or in political science or government, and 12 semester hours in one or any combination of the following: archival science, history, American civilization, economics, political science, public administration, or government.
or
Combination of education and experience - at least 30 semester hours that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal archivist 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-1420
This role involves managing and organizing records, a key component of archival work.
Yeomen are responsible for maintaining records and documents, which aligns well with archival duties.
Administrative Specialists handle a variety of records and documents, providing a foundation for archival work.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of archival principles and practices.
Ability to evaluate records for permanent retention.
Skill in arranging and organizing archival collections.
Ability to prepare finding aids and descriptive records.
Knowledge of preservation and conservation methods.
Skill in assisting researchers with archival materials.
Understanding of digital preservation and access.
Ability to conduct historical and archival research.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1420 Archivist preserves and provides access to historically significant records. These professionals appraise records for permanent retention, arrange and describe archival collections, develop finding aids for researchers, preserve historical documents, and manage archival collections at NARA (National Archives), presidential libraries, military historical centers, and federal agency archives.
Federal Archivists earn between $52,205 (GS-9 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-12. A GS-11 Archivist earns $63,163-$82,108, while GS-12 positions pay $75,706-$98,422. NARA, presidential libraries, and military history centers are primary employers with positions nationwide.
GS-1420 requires a bachelor's degree in archival science OR a degree with 18 semester hours in archival science, history, or political science plus 12 additional hours in archival science, history, American civilization, economics, political science, public administration, or government. Graduate degrees in archival studies or history with archival concentration are preferred for advancement.
Relevant military experience combined with at least 30 semester hours in archival/historical subjects can qualify. Veterans with experience in military historical offices, unit records management, command archives, or historical document preservation have transferable skills. Experience with military records disposition or historical research supports applications when combined with required coursework.
Archivists typically enter at GS-9 and follow the GS-9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior archivists and supervisors reach GS-13/14. Career paths include specializing in specific record types (military, presidential, legislative), digital archives, or transitioning to NARA leadership positions managing major archival programs.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Archivist" under series 1420. NARA (National Archives), presidential libraries, Smithsonian, and military history centers are primary employers. Highlight archival training, records appraisal experience, arrangement/description skills, and preservation knowledge. Include experience with digital archives and archival management systems in your federal resume.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.