Home / Federal careers / GS-1550
Computer Science
Performs professional computer science work including research, algorithm development, and software engineering.
What GS-1550 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-1550, as written.
Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.
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.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-1550
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
Computer Systems Programming
This role involves extensive programming and software development, directly aligning with the computer science field.
Skills that carry over: Software Development, Algorithms, Data Structures.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11.
Cyber Warfare Operations
CWO mission experience with malware analysis, exploit development, and network mapping translates directly to federal computer science roles in research and operational programs.
Skills that carry over: Malware analysis, Network analysis, Programming, Security research.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12, GS-13.
Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector/Analyst
Computer Science series for positions requiring formal CS coursework or degree. NSA, NIWC, DARPA-adjacent labs hire 1550s for research-grade work. 35Qs with in-service or post-service CS degree qualify here.
Skills that carry over: programming, algorithms, systems analysis, protocol analysis, technical research.
Usually opens at: GS-9, 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
- Design and develop software systems
- Conduct computer science research
- Develop algorithms and data structures
- Analyze computational problems
- Evaluate emerging technologies
- Document technical solutions
Key competencies
Software Development
Skill in designing and coding software.
Algorithms
Knowledge of algorithm design and analysis.
Data Structures
Understanding of data structures and their applications.
Programming Languages
Proficiency in multiple programming languages.
System Architecture
Ability to design computer system architectures.
Database Systems
Knowledge of database design and management.
Security
Understanding of computer security principles.
Research
Ability to conduct computer science research.
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-1550
What is a federal Computer Scientist?
A GS-1550 Computer Scientist performs research, designs algorithms, develops software systems, and solves complex computational problems for federal agencies. These professionals work at NSA, DOD research labs, NASA, DOE national laboratories, and other agencies requiring advanced computing expertise—often pushing the boundaries of what computers can do.
How much does a federal Computer Scientist make?
Federal Computer Scientists 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 Computer Scientist earns $90,025-$117,034. NSA, DOD labs, and national laboratories offer premium positions, often with special rate supplements for computer science.
What are the requirements for GS-1550 positions?
GS-1550 requires a bachelor's degree in computer science OR 30 semester hours in math, statistics, and computer science (with at least 15 hours including differential and integral calculus). Strong programming skills in multiple languages, algorithm design knowledge, and system architecture understanding are essential competencies.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1550?
The required coursework cannot be fully substituted with experience alone. However, veterans with CS degrees combined with military software development, cybersecurity, or systems engineering experience are excellent candidates. Experience in military IT development, signals intelligence software, or weapons systems computing provides directly relevant background.
What is the career progression for Computer Scientist?
Computer Scientists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12 or GS-13. Senior scientists and research leads reach GS-14/15 or Senior Level positions. Career paths include specializing in AI/ML, cybersecurity, high-performance computing, or algorithm development. Many CS positions involve classified research at cleared facilities.
How do I apply for GS-1550 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Computer Scientist" under series 1550. NSA, DOD research facilities, NASA, DOE labs, and NIST are primary employers. Highlight programming languages, research experience, and specific technical expertise. Security clearance eligibility is essential—most positions require Secret or TS/SCI. Include GitHub profiles or technical publications.
Ready to apply for GS-1550?
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.