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Federal quality assurance position performing inspection, testing, quality control, and quality management system oversight for federal manufacturing, contracts, and government programs.
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 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
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-1910
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Experience in quality assurance, quality control, or inspection.
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 quality assurance 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-1910
Moderate alignment. Quality Assurance positions value GM attention to detail in weapons maintenance. Technical QA focus different from ordnance work.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of quality management systems and standards.
Skill in conducting quality inspections and audits.
Ability to apply statistical quality control methods.
Understanding of quality standards (ISO, etc.).
Skill in identifying and resolving quality issues.
Ability to maintain quality records and reports.
Skill in improving quality processes.
Ability to communicate quality requirements.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1910 Quality Assurance Specialist ensures federal products, contracts, and programs meet quality standards. These specialists develop QA programs, conduct inspections and audits, analyze quality data, investigate deficiencies, implement corrective actions, and train personnel—primarily working for DOD overseeing defense contractor manufacturing and at federal agencies ensuring program quality.
Federal Quality Assurance Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-12. A GS-11 QA Specialist earns $63,163-$82,108. DCMA (Defense Contract Management Agency) is the largest employer with QA specialists at defense contractor facilities nationwide.
GS-1910 follows the administrative qualification standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or business, or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized experience in quality assurance, quality control, or inspection. Knowledge of quality management systems (ISO 9001) and statistical quality control are essential competencies.
Absolutely. Veterans with military quality assurance, inspection, or quality control experience have directly transferable skills. Experience in weapons system testing, equipment inspection, production oversight, or military QA programs provides excellent qualifying background. Military experience with MIL-STD requirements and defense contractor oversight is particularly valuable.
QA Specialists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior specialists and QA managers reach GS-13. Career paths include specializing in specific commodity areas (aircraft, electronics, munitions), transitioning to contracting, or advancing to supervisory positions overseeing QA teams at major contractor facilities.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Quality Assurance Specialist" under series 1910. DCMA (largest employer), DLA, military services, and defense agencies hire extensively. Highlight quality systems experience, inspection skills, and knowledge of quality standards. ASQ certifications (CQE, CQA) significantly strengthen applications.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.