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Performs professional statistical work including statistical surveys, data collection, and analysis.
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-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 |
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-1530
Degree: that included 15 semester hours in statistics (or in mathematics and statistics, provided at least 6 semester hours were in statistics), and 9 additional semester hours in one or more of the following: physical or biological sciences, medicine, education, or engineering; or in the social sciences including demography, history, economics, social welfare, geography, international relations, social or cultural anthropology, health sociology, political science, public administration, psychology, etc. Credit toward meeting statistical course requirements should be given for courses in which 50 percent of the course content appears to be statistical methods, e.g., courses that included studies in research methods in psychology or economics such as tests and measurements or business cycles, or courses in methods of processing mass statistical data such as tabulating methods or electronic data processing.
or
• Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The experience should have included a full range of professional statistical work such as (a) sampling, (b) collecting, computing, and analyzing statistical data, and (c) applying statistical techniques such as measurement of central tendency, dispersion, skewness, sampling error, simple and multiple correlation, analysis of variance, and tests of significance.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal statistician 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-1530
Intelligence Analysts often engage in data collection and analysis, which can be leveraged in statistical roles, though additional training in statistical software may be needed.
CTIs analyze data and prepare reports, skills that are applicable to statistical work, though proficiency in statistical software would need to be developed.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in applying statistical methods to data.
Knowledge of survey design and sampling techniques.
Proficiency in SAS, R, SPSS, or similar tools.
Ability to manage and clean large datasets.
Skill in creating statistical charts and graphics.
Ability to prepare clear statistical reports.
Understanding of statistical quality control methods.
Ability to explain statistical findings to non-statisticians.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1530 Statistician designs and conducts statistical surveys, collects and analyzes data, develops sampling methodologies, and supports evidence-based policy decisions for federal agencies. These specialists work at Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, CDC, USDA, and other agencies requiring statistical expertise to inform national statistics and policy.
Federal Statisticians earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-13. A GS-12 Statistician earns $75,706-$98,422. Census Bureau (largest employer), BLS, CDC, and USDA offer positions. DC-area locality pay adds approximately 32% to base salary.
GS-1530 requires a degree with at least 15 semester hours in statistics (or math and statistics with at least 6 hours in statistics), plus 9 additional hours in physical/biological sciences, medicine, education, engineering, or social sciences. Proficiency with statistical software (SAS, R, SPSS) and survey methodology is essential.
Relevant military experience combined with required statistics coursework can qualify. Veterans with experience in military survey research, quality assurance, operational testing and evaluation, or manpower analysis have transferable skills. The required coursework cannot be fully substituted with experience alone, but military analytical experience strengthens applications.
Statisticians follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12. Senior statisticians and survey directors reach GS-13/14. Career paths include specializing in survey methodology, economic statistics, biostatistics, or demographic analysis. Some transition to leadership of major federal statistical programs.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Statistician" or "Survey Statistician" under series 1530. Census Bureau, BLS, CDC, USDA, and DOD are primary employers. Highlight survey design experience, statistical software proficiency, and data analysis skills. Include specific statistical techniques and any publications or technical reports in your federal resume.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.