Home / Federal careers / GS-1529
Mathematical Statistician
Performs professional statistical work including statistical research, experimental design, and data analysis.
What GS-1529 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-1529, as written.
Degree: that included 24 semester hours of mathematics and statistics, of which at least 12 semester hours were in mathematics and 6 semester hours were in statistics.
or
Combination of education and experience -- at least 24 semester hours of mathematics and statistics, including at least 12 hours in mathematics and 6 hours in statistics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
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-1529
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.
Typical duties
- Design statistical experiments
- Develop statistical methodologies
- Analyze complex data sets
- Apply statistical theories
- Prepare statistical reports
- Advise on statistical matters
Key competencies
Statistical Theory
Deep knowledge of mathematical statistics.
Survey Design
Ability to design complex sample surveys.
Experimental Design
Skill in designing statistical experiments.
Probability
Strong foundation in probability theory.
Computational Statistics
Proficiency in statistical computing.
Research
Ability to develop new statistical methods.
Data Analysis
Skill in analyzing complex datasets.
Technical Communication
Ability to explain statistical concepts clearly.
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-1529
What is a Mathematical Statistician?
A GS-1529 Mathematical Statistician develops statistical methodologies and conducts advanced statistical research for federal data collection and analysis. These specialists design sample surveys, develop statistical theories, analyze complex datasets, and advise on statistical matters for agencies like Census Bureau, BLS, NIH, FDA, and other agencies requiring rigorous statistical expertise.
How much does a federal Mathematical Statistician make?
Federal Mathematical Statisticians 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 Mathematical Statistician earns $90,025-$117,034. Census Bureau (largest employer), BLS, CDC, NIH, and FDA offer positions. Senior statisticians reach GS-15 or Senior Level positions.
What are the requirements for GS-1529 positions?
GS-1529 requires a degree with at least 24 semester hours of mathematics and statistics, including at least 12 hours in mathematics and 6 hours in statistics. This distinguishes Mathematical Statisticians from regular Statisticians (GS-1530) who need less mathematics. Strong foundation in probability theory and computational statistics is essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1529?
The required mathematics and statistics coursework cannot be fully substituted with experience alone. However, veterans with quantitative degrees and military analytical experience are excellent candidates. Experience in military survey research, statistical analysis for operations, or quality assurance testing provides relevant background when combined with required education.
What is the career progression for Mathematical Statistician?
Mathematical Statisticians follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12 or GS-13. Senior statisticians and branch chiefs reach GS-14/15. Career paths include specializing in survey methodology, biostatistics, or economic statistics. Some transition to leadership positions overseeing major federal statistical programs.
How do I apply for GS-1529 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Mathematical Statistician" under series 1529. Census Bureau, BLS, CDC, NIH, FDA, and DOD are primary employers. Highlight statistical methodology expertise, survey design experience, programming skills (R, SAS, Python), and research publications. Include specific statistical techniques and software proficiency in your federal resume.
Ready to apply for GS-1529?
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.