Aviation Safety
Performs aviation safety work including safety program management, regulatory compliance, and safety analysis.
💰GS-1825 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-1825
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in aviation, aerospace engineering, or related technical field
OR
Experience: Experience in aviation operations, aviation safety, or aircraft maintenance.
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-1825
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal aviation safety 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-1825
Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter)
AWS aircrew judgment, mishap awareness, and flight-environment knowledge map directly to GS-1825 Aviation Safety roles at the FAA and DoD aviation-safety offices.
Naval Aircrewman (Tactical Helicopter)
Aviation Safety is the strongest direct fit. Flight-deck judgment, aircrew standardization, and operational risk-management experience map straight to FAA and Navy aviation-safety work.
Mobility Force Aviator
Firsthand aircraft systems, crew procedures, and operational-risk knowledge is the core qualification standard for GS-1825 Aviation Safety with the FAA and DoD.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Manage aviation safety programs
- •Ensure regulatory compliance
- •Conduct safety analyses
- •Develop safety policies
- •Investigate safety concerns
- •Train personnel on safety
🎯Key Competencies
Knowledge of FAA regulations and aviation standards.
Ability to analyze aviation safety data and trends.
Skill in conducting aviation safety inspections.
Ability to identify and assess aviation risks.
Understanding of aircraft systems and operations.
Skill in taking safety enforcement actions.
Ability to communicate safety requirements.
Skill in preparing safety reports and 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-1825
What is an Aviation Safety Specialist?
A GS-1825 Aviation Safety Specialist manages aviation safety programs, ensures regulatory compliance, conducts safety analyses, and investigates safety concerns for the FAA. These specialists—often called Aviation Safety Inspectors—certify pilots, inspect aircraft, audit airlines, enforce safety regulations, and ensure the nation's aviation system maintains the highest safety standards.
How much does a federal Aviation Safety Specialist make?
Federal Aviation Safety 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-12 through GS-14. A GS-13 Aviation Safety Inspector earns $90,025-$117,034. FAA is the primary employer with positions at Flight Standards District Offices (FSDOs) nationwide.
What are the requirements for GS-1825 positions?
GS-1825 requires significant aviation experience. Operations inspectors need commercial pilot certificates with instrument rating and flight time requirements. Maintenance inspectors need A&P certificates with extensive aircraft maintenance experience. Avionics inspectors need specialized electronics background. Deep knowledge of FAA regulations (FARs) is essential for all specialties.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1825?
Military aviation experience is highly valued. Pilots can use military flight time toward FAA certificate requirements. Military aircraft maintainers often qualify for A&P certificates through experience-based testing. Veterans with aviation safety officer backgrounds, quality assurance experience, or flight standards work have directly transferable qualifications.
What is the career progression for Aviation Safety Specialist?
Aviation Safety Specialists typically enter at GS-9 or GS-11 based on qualifications and advance to GS-12/13. Senior inspectors and team supervisors reach GS-14. Career paths include specializing in operations, maintenance, or avionics; advancing to FSDO management; or transitioning to FAA headquarters policy positions.
How do I apply for GS-1825 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Aviation Safety Inspector" or "Aviation Safety" under series 1825. FAA Flight Standards Service is the primary employer. Highlight pilot certificates, flight hours, A&P certificates, maintenance experience, and FAA regulatory knowledge. Include specific aircraft types, inspection experience, and any DER (Designated Engineering Representative) credentials.
Ready to Apply for GS-1825?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.