Home / Federal careers / GS-1515
Operations Research
Federal operations research analyst position performing mathematical modeling, systems analysis, simulation, and quantitative methods for decision support at defense and federal agencies.
What GS-1515 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-1515, as written.
Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.
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-1515
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
Operations Research/Systems Analyst
This role involves similar tasks such as developing optimization models and conducting systems analysis, making it a strong fit for GS-1515.
Skills that carry over: Mathematical Modeling, Optimization, Systems Analysis, Data Analysis, Programming.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11.
Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector/Analyst
Operations Research series for analytical methodology roles. NSA research arm, Army Research Lab, and IC-adjacent agencies hire 1515s for modeling and analysis. High-paying career ladder for 35Qs with quantitative analysis backgrounds.
Skills that carry over: quantitative analysis, adversary modeling, statistical methods, intelligence analytics.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12, GS-13, GS-14.
Quantitative Analyst
Operations research pathway. Analytical methods.
Skills that carry over: Operations Research, Modeling, Simulation, Optimization, Technical Writing.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12, GS-13.
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
- Develop optimization models
- Analyze complex systems
- Apply operations research methods
- Support decision-making
- Conduct cost-benefit analyses
- Simulate operational scenarios
Key competencies
Mathematical Modeling
Ability to develop mathematical models for complex problems.
Optimization
Knowledge of optimization techniques and algorithms.
Simulation
Skill in developing and using simulation models.
Data Analysis
Ability to analyze large datasets and extract insights.
Programming
Proficiency in analytical programming languages.
Statistics
Strong foundation in statistical methods.
Communication
Ability to present analytical findings to decision makers.
Problem Solving
Skill in applying analytical methods to real-world problems.
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-1515
What is an Operations Research Analyst?
A GS-1515 Operations Research Analyst applies mathematical modeling, simulation, and quantitative analysis to complex decision-making problems. These analysts develop optimization models, simulate operational scenarios, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and support strategic decisions for DOD, DHS, DOE, and other agencies facing complex resource allocation, logistics, or operational challenges.
How much does a federal Operations Research Analyst make?
Federal Operations Research Analysts 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-12 through GS-14. A GS-13 OR Analyst earns $90,025-$117,034. DOD (largest employer), DHS, and analytical agencies offer positions. Senior analysts and team leads reach GS-14/15 with total compensation exceeding $175,000 in high-cost areas.
What are the requirements for GS-1515 positions?
GS-1515 requires a degree in operations research OR at least 24 semester hours in operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or quantitative courses requiring substantial college-level math or statistics. At least 3 of those 24 hours must be in calculus. Strong programming and analytical skills are essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1515?
The required coursework cannot be fully substituted with experience alone. However, military OR analysts are among the best-prepared candidates—their operational experience combined with quantitative training is ideal. Veterans from Army ORSA program, Navy operations analysis, or Air Force analytical roles have exceptional backgrounds. Military combat modeling and wargaming experience is highly valued.
What is the career progression for Operations Research Analyst?
OR Analysts follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12 or GS-13. Senior analysts and division chiefs reach GS-14/15. Career paths include specializing in specific domains (logistics, manpower, cost analysis), transitioning to leadership of analytical organizations, or moving into defense policy positions requiring quantitative expertise.
How do I apply for GS-1515 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Operations Research Analyst" or "ORSA" under series 1515. DOD components (Army, Navy, Air Force, OSD), DHS, DOE, and analytical agencies are primary employers. Highlight mathematical modeling skills, simulation experience, programming proficiency (Python, R, MATLAB), and specific analytical projects. Include clearance status—many positions require Secret or TS/SCI.
Ready to apply for GS-1515?
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.