Air Safety Investigating
Performs air safety investigation work including accident investigation, safety analysis, and aviation compliance.
💰GS-1815 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-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.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1815
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in aviation, aerospace engineering, or related field
OR
Experience: Experience in aviation safety, accident investigation, or flight operations.
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-1815
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal air safety 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-1815
Airborne Mission Systems Specialist
This role involves monitoring and analyzing aircraft systems, which aligns with technical analysis and safety inspection duties.
Aviation Warfare Systems Operator
Experience in monitoring aviation systems and conducting safety checks provides a strong foundation for air safety investigation roles.
Air Traffic Controller
GS-1815 Air Safety Investigating covers FAA and NTSB roles examining incidents, procedures, and airspace design. A rated controller who knows separation standards from the inside is a credible aviation-safety candidate.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Investigate aviation accidents
- •Analyze flight data
- •Conduct safety inspections
- •Review compliance with regulations
- •Prepare investigation reports
- •Recommend safety improvements
🎯Key Competencies
Deep understanding of aviation operations and systems.
Skill in investigating aviation accidents and incidents.
Ability to analyze physical and electronic evidence.
Skill in analyzing aircraft systems and failures.
Ability to prepare detailed investigation reports.
Understanding of FAA regulations and standards.
Skill in interviewing witnesses and crew members.
Ability to work with NTSB, FAA, and other agencies.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1815
What is an Air Safety Investigator?
A GS-1815 Air Safety Investigator investigates aviation accidents and incidents to determine probable cause and prevent future occurrences. These specialists analyze flight data, examine aircraft wreckage, interview witnesses and crew members, review maintenance records, and prepare detailed investigation reports—primarily working at the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) and FAA.
How much does a federal Air Safety Investigator make?
Federal Air Safety Investigators 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-12 through GS-14. A GS-13 Air Safety Investigator earns $90,025-$117,034. NTSB and FAA are primary employers. Positions often require on-call availability and travel to accident sites.
What are the requirements for GS-1815 positions?
GS-1815 typically requires aviation expertise—a degree in aviation, aerospace engineering, or related field combined with significant flight operations, maintenance, or aviation safety experience. Pilot certificates, aircraft maintenance experience, and accident investigation training are highly valued. Deep technical knowledge of aircraft systems and operations is essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1815?
Military aviation experience is highly valued. Veterans with pilot experience, aircraft maintenance backgrounds, aviation safety officer roles, or accident investigation training have excellent qualifications. Experience with military aircraft systems, flight operations, or safety programs provides directly relevant background. Military mishap investigation experience is particularly valuable.
What is the career progression for Air Safety Investigator?
Air Safety Investigators typically enter at GS-9 or GS-11 and progress to GS-12/13. Senior investigators and team leads reach GS-14. Career paths include specializing in specific aircraft types or systems, advancing to Investigator-in-Charge positions at NTSB, or transitioning to FAA aviation safety oversight roles.
How do I apply for GS-1815 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Air Safety Investigator" or "Aviation Safety Investigator" under series 1815. NTSB and FAA are primary employers. Highlight aviation credentials (pilot certificates, A&P licenses), flight hours, maintenance experience, and any safety or investigation training. Include specific aircraft types and aviation systems expertise in your federal resume.
Ready to Apply for GS-1815?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.