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Performs aviation safety work including safety program management, regulatory compliance, and safety analysis.
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-1825
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
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):
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal aviation safety 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-1825
Air Force Safety personnel are directly involved in aviation safety, including program management and compliance with regulations, making them a strong fit for this GS series.
Naval Aircrewmen Mechanical have extensive knowledge of aircraft systems and conduct safety inspections, aligning well with aviation safety roles.
This role involves maintaining and inspecting aircraft safety equipment, directly supporting aviation safety and compliance.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.