Consumer Safety Inspection
Performs consumer safety inspection work including product safety evaluation and compliance enforcement.
💰GS-1862 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 |
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-1862
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, food science, or related field
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):
- 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-1862
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal consumer safety inspection 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-1862
Environmental Engineering Management
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.
📋Typical Duties
- •Inspect consumer products
- •Evaluate product safety
- •Conduct compliance inspections
- •Collect product samples
- •Prepare inspection reports
- •Coordinate recalls
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1862
What is a Consumer Safety Inspector?
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.
How much does a federal Consumer Safety Inspector make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-1862 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1862?
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.
What is the career progression for Consumer Safety Inspector?
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.
How do I apply for GS-1862 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-1862?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.