Home / Federal careers / GS-2010
Inventory Management
Performs inventory management work including stock control, demand forecasting, and inventory optimization.
What GS-2010 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-2010, as written.
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in business, logistics, or related field
OR
Experience: Experience in inventory management, supply chain, or logistics.
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.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-2010
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Unit Supply Specialist
Inventory Management. Cyclic inventories, change-of-command inventories, reconciliation of on-hand vs book quantities, and adjustment processing. This is what 92Ys do daily in GCSS-Army.
Skills that carry over: Cyclic inventory, Reconciliation, Stock record adjustment, Inventory analysis, Shortage management.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Ammunition Specialist
89Bs map directly to GS-2010 Inventory Management. Ammunition accountability and stock control translate without friction.
Skills that carry over: Inventory management, Property accountability, Stock control, Audit readiness.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Ammunition Stock Control and Accounting Specialist
TAMIS, SAAS-MOD, and AIMS database experience translates without friction to GS-2010 Inventory Management at federal arsenals and DoD installations. Property accountability and reconciliation are the core of both jobs.
Skills that carry over: Inventory management systems, Property accountability, Stock reconciliation and audits, Demand and stock-level forecasting.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Manage inventory levels
- Forecast demand
- Optimize stock levels
- Conduct inventory analyses
- Process inventory adjustments
- Maintain inventory records
Key competencies
Inventory Control
Skill in managing inventory levels.
Demand Forecasting
Ability to forecast requirements.
Data Analysis
Skill in analyzing inventory data.
Systems Knowledge
Proficiency in inventory management systems.
Auditing
Ability to conduct inventory audits.
Policy Development
Skill in developing inventory policies.
Cost Management
Ability to optimize inventory costs.
Problem Solving
Skill in resolving inventory issues.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-2010
What is an Inventory Management Specialist?
A GS-2010 Inventory Management Specialist manages federal inventory programs—controlling stock levels, forecasting demand, optimizing inventory, conducting analyses, and maintaining accurate records. These specialists ensure the right quantities of materials are available when needed while minimizing excess inventory and costs at DOD, DLA, and federal supply operations.
How much does a federal Inventory Management Specialist make?
Federal Inventory Management 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 Inventory Specialist earns $63,163-$82,108. DLA, DOD installations, VA, and federal supply management offices hire these specialists.
What are the requirements for GS-2010 positions?
GS-2010 follows the administrative qualification standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in business or logistics, or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized experience in inventory control, demand forecasting, or stock management. Proficiency with inventory management systems and analytical skills are essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-2010?
Yes, military inventory experience directly transfers. Veterans who managed unit inventories, conducted demand planning, or worked in supply accountability have excellent backgrounds. Experience using military inventory systems (GCSS-Army, DPAS), conducting inventory analyses, and managing stock levels provides qualifying experience.
What is the career progression for Inventory Management Specialist?
Inventory Specialists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior specialists reach GS-13. Career paths include specializing in specific commodity inventories, transitioning to GS-2003 Supply Program Management, or advancing to supervisory positions overseeing inventory operations.
How do I apply for GS-2010 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Inventory Management Specialist" under series 2010. DLA, DOD installations, VA, and federal supply management are primary employers. Highlight inventory analysis experience, demand forecasting skills, and supply system proficiency. Include specific inventory values managed and optimization achievements.
Ready to apply for GS-2010?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.