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Performs technical archival work including records processing, preservation support, and reference assistance.
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-4 | $30,795 | $31,822 | $32,849 | $33,876 | $34,903 | $35,930 | $36,957 | $37,984 | $39,011 | $40,038 |
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-6 | $38,407 | $39,687 | $40,967 | $42,247 | $43,527 | $44,807 | $46,087 | $47,367 | $48,647 | $49,927 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-8 | $47,265 | $48,841 | $50,417 | $51,993 | $53,569 | $55,145 | $56,721 | $58,297 | $59,873 | $61,449 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
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-1421
Individual Occupational Requirements:** There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
Experience Requirements by Grade Level:
| Grade | Specialized Experience Required |
|---|---|
| GS-5 | 3 years progressively responsible general experience OR equivalent education |
| GS-7 | 1 year equivalent to GS-5 OR Superior Academic Achievement OR 1 year graduate education |
| GS-9 | 1 year equivalent to GS-7 OR 2 years graduate education/master's degree |
| GS-11 | 1 year equivalent to GS-9 OR 3 years graduate education/Ph.D. |
| GS-12+ | 1 year equivalent to next lower grade level |
Education Substitution:
Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) for GS-7: Based on (1) class standing in upper third of graduating class, (2) grade-point average of 3.0+ overall or 3.5+ in major field, or (3) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society.
Combining Education and Experience: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for grade levels where both are acceptable.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal archives technician 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-1421
Yeomen are responsible for administrative tasks, including records management, which translates well to archival work.
HR Specialists often handle personnel records and documentation, which aligns with archival processing and organization tasks.
Coast Guard Yeomen manage records and provide administrative support, which aligns with archival responsibilities.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to process and organize archival materials.
Skill in assisting researchers and users.
Knowledge of proper archival handling and care procedures.
Proficiency in archival management systems.
Ability to prepare basic inventories and finding aids.
Skill in conducting basic archival research.
Understanding of basic preservation principles.
Ability to maintain accurate archival records.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1421 Archives Technician provides technical support for archival operations—processing archival materials, assisting with preservation activities, providing basic reference services, maintaining archival databases, handling and organizing records, and supporting digitization projects at NARA, presidential libraries, and federal agency archives across the country.
Federal Archives Technicians earn between $30,795 (GS-4 Step 1) and $67,865 (GS-9 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-5 through GS-7. A GS-6 Archives Technician earns $38,407-$49,927, while GS-7 positions pay $42,679-$55,486. NARA and presidential libraries hire extensively nationwide.
GS-1421 follows the administrative qualification standard—no specific degree required. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in any field or 3 years of progressively responsible experience. Higher grades require specialized experience in archival processing, reference services, or records handling. Attention to detail and ability to follow archival procedures are essential.
Absolutely. Veterans with records management experience, unit historical files handling, or administrative support in military archives have directly transferable skills. Experience organizing official records, assisting researchers, handling classified documents, or supporting documentation programs qualifies. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail from any military administrative role are valuable.
Archives Technicians follow the GS-4/5/6/7/8/9 progression with journey level at GS-6 or GS-7. Senior technicians reach GS-8/9. Career paths include specializing in preservation, digitization, or reference services. Many technicians pursue archival studies degrees to transition to GS-1420 Archivist positions for higher earning potential and professional status.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Archives Technician" or "Archives Specialist" under series 1421. NARA, presidential libraries, and federal agencies with historical programs are primary employers. Highlight records handling experience, organizational skills, customer service abilities, and any archival database experience. Include digitization and preservation support experience in your federal resume.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.