Printing Services
Performs printing services work including production planning, quality control, and printing operations management.
💰GS-1654 Salary Information
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 |
| GS-10 | $57,489 | $59,405 | $61,321 | $63,237 | $65,153 | $67,069 | $68,985 | $70,901 | $72,817 | $74,733 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1654
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Education or training in printing, graphic arts, or related field
OR
Experience: Experience in printing operations, print production, or graphic services.
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):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
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.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-1654
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal printing services position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-1654
Combat Illustrator/Reprographic Specialist
This role involves creating and managing visual media, including print materials, which aligns well with printing services.
Multimedia Illustrator
The role involves managing multimedia projects, which includes planning and quality control, similar to printing services.
Mass Communication Specialist
Experience in managing communication projects and ensuring quality aligns with printing services management.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Manage printing operations
- •Plan production schedules
- •Ensure quality control
- •Operate printing equipment
- •Coordinate with customers
- •Manage printing supplies
🎯Key Competencies
Knowledge of printing processes and equipment.
Ability to ensure print quality standards.
Skill in planning and scheduling print jobs.
Ability to work with customers on print needs.
Knowledge of printing equipment.
Skill in estimating print job costs.
Ability to manage printing supplies.
Understanding of digital printing technologies.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1654
What is a Printing Services Specialist?
A GS-1654 Printing Services Specialist manages printing operations for federal agencies—planning production schedules, ensuring quality control, operating printing equipment, coordinating with customers, and managing printing supplies. These specialists work at the Government Publishing Office (GPO), agency print shops, and document production centers supporting federal printing needs.
How much does a federal Printing Services Specialist make?
Federal Printing Services Specialists earn between $30,795 (GS-4 Step 1) and $82,108 (GS-11 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-6 through GS-9. A GS-8 Printing Services Specialist earns $47,265-$61,449. GPO and agency document centers offer positions, primarily in DC metro area and regional locations.
What are the requirements for GS-1654 positions?
GS-1654 follows the administrative qualification standard with preference for printing/graphic arts training. Entry typically requires education or training in printing, graphic arts, or related fields, or equivalent experience in print production. Knowledge of digital printing technologies, quality control standards, and production scheduling is essential for higher grades.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1654?
Yes, military print shop experience directly transfers. Veterans who worked in military reproduction facilities, document centers, or graphic arts shops have excellent backgrounds. Experience operating printing equipment, managing print production, coordinating document services, or supervising reproduction operations provides qualifying experience.
What is the career progression for Printing Services Specialist?
Printing Services Specialists follow the GS-4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11 progression with journey level at GS-8 or GS-9. Senior specialists and print shop supervisors reach GS-10/11. Career paths include specializing in digital printing, large-format production, or transitioning to document services management overseeing broader publishing operations.
How do I apply for GS-1654 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Printing Services" or "Printing Specialist" under series 1654. GPO and federal agencies with in-house print operations are primary employers. Highlight print production experience, equipment operation skills, quality control knowledge, and customer service abilities. Include specific equipment operated and production volumes managed.
Ready to Apply for GS-1654?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.