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Performs education program work including program management, policy development, and educational oversight.
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-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-1720
Degree: that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in a field related to the work of the position to be filled, of which at least 9 semester hours must have been in education courses.
or
Combination of education and experience -- at least 24 semester hours in a field related to the work of the position to be filled, of which at least 9 semester hours must have been in education courses, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The experience must reflect the level and kind described in C below.
or
Four years of experience that demonstrated a thorough understanding of the principles and practices underlying the work of this series. This experience must have been of such character and diversity to demonstrate that the applicant possesses an understanding of the field comparable to that normally acquired through successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university.
or
• At least 1 full academic year of professional teaching experience. This experience is defined as full and primary responsibility, under general supervision, for instruction of assigned students in an accredited school or institution. This includes responsibility for preparing and presenting lessons and for evaluating students' progress, including a determination of the students' success or failure according to established criteria. Serving in an assistant capacity to a professor without the authority to determine the students' success or failure to meet course requirements does not meet this criterion.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal education program 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-1720
Army Recruiters manage recruitment programs and develop policies to meet recruitment goals, similar to managing educational programs and policies.
While primarily focused on engineering, this role involves program management and policy development, applicable to educational program management.
Yeomen handle administrative tasks and policy implementation, which can translate to managing educational programs and policies.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to administer educational programs.
Skill in developing educational policies.
Ability to assess program effectiveness.
Skill in working with educational partners.
Ability to manage educational funding.
Knowledge of educational regulations and standards.
Skill in communicating program information.
Ability to develop educational strategies.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1720 Education Program Specialist manages federal education programs, develops education policies, monitors compliance, evaluates program effectiveness, and coordinates with educational institutions. These specialists work at the Department of Education, DOD Education Activity, VA education benefits programs, and agencies administering educational grants and initiatives.
Federal Education Program Specialists earn between $52,205 (GS-9 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-11 through GS-13. A GS-12 Education Program Specialist earns $75,706-$98,422. Department of Education, DOD Education Activity, and VA education programs are major employers.
GS-1720 requires a degree with at least 24 semester hours in a field related to the position, including at least 9 semester hours in education courses. Alternatively, four years of experience demonstrating thorough understanding of educational principles and practices, or one full year of professional teaching experience, qualifies.
Yes, relevant military education and training experience can qualify. Veterans who managed military training programs, administered education benefits, coordinated DOD school programs, or oversaw professional development initiatives have transferable skills. Experience with military education policies and program evaluation strengthens applications.
Education Program Specialists typically enter at GS-9 and follow the GS-9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12. Senior specialists and program directors reach GS-13/14. Career paths include specializing in K-12 programs, higher education, special education, or transitioning to education policy leadership positions.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Education Program Specialist" or "Education Program Manager" under series 1720. Department of Education, DOD Education Activity, and VA are primary employers. Highlight program management experience, policy development skills, and educational administration background. Include grant management experience and program evaluation accomplishments.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.