General Investigating
Performs general investigation work including background investigations, compliance investigations, and fact-finding.
💰GS-1810 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-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 |
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-1810
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law, or related field
OR
Experience: Experience in investigative work, law enforcement, or compliance.
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-1810
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal general investigating 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-1810
Counterintelligence Agent
General investigating skills. Background investigations and security clearance investigations.
Criminal Investigator CID Agent
Detention enforcement values investigation skills.
Human Intelligence Collector
General Investigating. Investigative roles that leverage analytical and elicitation skills without full 1811 credentials. DHS, DOE, Treasury OIG.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Conduct investigations
- •Interview witnesses and subjects
- •Gather and analyze evidence
- •Prepare investigative reports
- •Testify at proceedings
- •Coordinate with law enforcement
🎯Key Competencies
Knowledge of investigation methods and procedures.
Skill in conducting interviews and interrogations.
Ability to collect and preserve evidence.
Skill in analyzing information and identifying patterns.
Ability to prepare comprehensive investigative reports.
Understanding of relevant laws and procedures.
Skill in communicating with subjects and witnesses.
Ability to thoroughly document findings.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1810
What is a General Investigator?
A GS-1810 General Investigator conducts investigations including background investigations, compliance reviews, and fact-finding inquiries for federal agencies. These specialists interview witnesses and subjects, gather and analyze evidence, prepare investigative reports, and may testify at proceedings—working for agencies like DCSA (background investigations), OIG offices, and regulatory agencies.
How much does a federal General Investigator make?
Federal General Investigators earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-12. A GS-11 Investigator earns $63,163-$82,108. Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is the largest employer, hiring thousands of background investigators.
What are the requirements for GS-1810 positions?
GS-1810 follows the administrative qualification standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law, or related field, or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized investigative experience. Strong interviewing skills, analytical abilities, and excellent written communication for report writing are essential competencies.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1810?
Absolutely. Veterans with military police, criminal investigation, counterintelligence, or security experience have directly transferable skills. Many veterans transition to DCSA background investigator positions—military experience conducting investigations, interviewing subjects, and writing reports provides excellent qualifying background.
What is the career progression for General Investigator?
General Investigators follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior investigators reach GS-13. Career paths include specializing in background investigations, fraud investigations, or transitioning to GS-1811 Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) positions for law enforcement careers.
How do I apply for GS-1810 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Investigator" or "Background Investigator" under series 1810. DCSA (largest employer), Inspectors General, and regulatory agencies hire extensively. Highlight investigative experience, interviewing skills, and report writing abilities. Security clearance eligibility is essential—most positions require Secret or Top Secret clearance.
Ready to Apply for GS-1810?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.