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Performs consumer safety inspection work including product safety evaluation and compliance enforcement.
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 |
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-1862
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Experience in consumer product safety, inspection, or regulatory 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):
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 consumer safety inspection 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-1862
Focuses on environmental safety and compliance, similar to consumer safety roles.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of consumer safety regulations.
Skill in conducting product safety inspections.
Ability to identify product safety hazards.
Skill in collecting product samples for analysis.
Ability to prepare inspection reports.
Skill in investigating consumer complaints.
Ability to work with manufacturers and the public.
Skill in taking appropriate enforcement actions.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1862 Consumer Safety Inspector evaluates product safety and enforces consumer protection regulations. These specialists inspect consumer products, identify safety hazards, collect samples for laboratory analysis, investigate consumer complaints, and coordinate product recalls—working primarily for CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) and FDA to protect Americans from unsafe products.
Federal Consumer Safety Inspectors earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $98,422 (GS-12 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-7 through GS-11. A GS-9 Consumer Safety Inspector earns $52,205-$67,865. CPSC, FDA, and USDA are primary employers with positions across the country.
GS-1862 follows the administrative qualification standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, food science, or related field, or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized experience in product safety, inspection, or regulatory compliance. Knowledge of safety regulations and hazard identification skills are essential.
Yes, relevant military experience qualifies. Veterans with quality assurance, safety inspection, or regulatory compliance experience have transferable skills. Military experience in product testing, safety programs, or supply quality control provides relevant background. Document specific inspection types conducted and safety programs managed.
Consumer Safety Inspectors follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-11. Senior inspectors reach GS-12. Career paths include specializing in specific product categories, transitioning to compliance officer roles, or advancing to supervisory positions overseeing regional inspection programs.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Consumer Safety Inspector" or "Safety Inspector" under series 1862. CPSC, FDA, and USDA are primary employers. Highlight product safety experience, inspection skills, and scientific background. Include specific product categories inspected and laboratory analysis experience in your federal resume.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.